Our continued focus on improving our product mix for both pens and refills helped the company to improve average realisation per pen from Rs.2.60 to Rs.2.69 and that of refills from Rs.1.16 to Rs.1.86. There was a volume growth of 17.4% in case of Pens whereas volumes were significantly lower in case Refills on account of this exercise.

In Exports, in spite of the appreciation in Indian Rupee against the major currencies, Linc Pens has registered a growth of about 45% over last year.

Consistent Quality, Delivery commitments, Improved Packaging, Competitive Price, Adaptability to the changing needs of the customer and continuous improvement in infrastructure are some of the key factors contributing to the success in expanding the horizon of exports. The buyers have shown great confidence in our products and have chosen to increase their volumes with our Company. North America still continues to top the sales chart of export.

Linc Pen has strategically considered to widen its presence in all markets and focus on selling LINC BRANDED products. We have already started working with few new customers in the South East Asia, SAARC countries and new relationships are being developed in Middle East and Africa.

In the current year we are facing some difficult situations due to factors beyond our control, like the sharp increase in the price of crude oil, inventory controls by the European and North American Customers due to stagnant growth in those markets. This has caused almost a flat growth in Exports during the first 5 months of 2008-9. However, we have new products and are trying to open new markets and hope we will continue to keep the upward trend in 2008-9 despite all odds.

During the year 2007-08, advertising spend was significantly lower at Rs.2.91 crores as compared to Rs. 6.91 crores in the previous year. But in the current year an aggressive advertisement campaign is planned to improve brand saliency and making Linc a top of the mind brand, though sacrificing the short term profits.