The study represents the views of 453 decision makers responsible for 7,005 packaging lines in over 1,200 plants throughout key segments of the U.S. market. The

increase follows three consecutive years of growth. Much of the credit for the higher rate of spending comes from increased corporate sales and profits as well as the sustained growth of the U.S. economy. But recent improvements in rates of capacity utilization are another factor. The largest increase in spending is expected to come from the pharmaceutical and medical segment (11 to 13%), followed by beverages (9 to 11%), personal care products (7 to 9%), and food (6 to 8%). The study reveals that 67% of respondents plan to either increase spending or maintain 2004 levels.