Quad/Graphics Inc., Sussex, Wis., will close two plants by the end of 2014. The first, in St. Cloud, Minn., employs 280 people and was acquired by Quad/Graphics from World Color Press Inc. in 2010. The second, in Woodstock, Ill., employs 550 workers and was originally operated by Brown Printing Company, which Quad/Graphics acquired in May 2014.
Both closings are part of the company’s integration strategy following its $100 million purchase of Brown Printing Company. “We are moving forward quickly with integration plans following our recent acquisition of Brown Printing Company,” said Quad/Graphics’ director of corporate communications, Claire Ho, according to the St. Cloud Times. “The exact date will be determined once we confirm with all clients when and where their work will be moved. We will begin transitioning work from the facility as soon as practical.”
“It is not a reflection on the employees,” she added. “It’s a straightforward business decision. Ultimately, it comes down to how we believe we can achieve the greatest manufacturing and distribution efficiencies with the strongest, most competitive platform for our clients into the future.”
The company said it will offer severance packages to full-time employees, and will assist employees in obtaining jobs at other Quad/Graphics plants.
