Evans, Ga. (WJBF) – Late Wednesday afternoon, we received a press release from a Columbia County spokesperson regarding the announcement made Wednesday morning that QuadGraphics would be closing its plant in Columbia County.
Read the text of the release below:
Quad Graphics, the Wisconsin-based company that has been printing catalogs for three (3) decades has announced their plans to close their Evans plant, which is located on Evans to Locks Road by the end of the year.
According to Mark Wills, the Chairman of the Development Authority of Columbia County, “The Development Authority of Columbia County is saddened by the loss of a long time corporate citizen. We understand that corporate and industry challenges have played major roles in the closing of Quad Graphics’ Columbia County Plant. We are committed to supporting Quad Graphics and their employees during this tough time.”
Over the years, this Evans plant has printed catalogs for Montgomery Ward, Victoria’s Secret and LL Bean. Yesterday, Quad Graphics reported a third quarter net loss of $552 million and as a result of that loss, the company is instituting a $100 million cost reduction program. The Evans plant is one of four (4) printing facilities Quad Graphics will close this year. The closure will impact over 200 employees.
Pat Henderson, Quad Graphics’ Director of Governmental Affairs said that employees affected by this closure would receive separation packages which include pay, extension of health benefits, and placement/career assistance.
In a press conference held earlier today, The Development Authority’s Executive Director Robbie Bennett stated that Columbia County would work with Quad Graphic’s leadership team to assist affected employees in finding other employment opportunities. When asked about the future of the plant, Robbie said, “We will support this transition and work to identify new opportunities for the space to enhance growth in the community.”
Evans, Ga. (WJBF))- A Columbia County plant is planning to close.
QuadGraphics is expected to shut down by the end of the year.
According to officials, about 250 people are currently employed at the plant on Evans To Locks Road.
QuadGraphics is based in Wisconsin.
The company reportedly suffered a third quarter loss of more than a half billion dollars.
As a result, the plant in Columbia County and one in Pennslyvania will close.
A press conference is about to get underway at the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.
Let’s listen in.
WJBF News Channel 6 received the following statement from Claire Ho the Director of Corporate Communications for Quad/Graphics.
Today Quad/Graphics met with employees in our Augusta, Georgia, and East Greenville, Pennsylvania, plants to share the news that we will close both manufacturing facilities by the end of the year. This decision is no reflection on employees’ performance. Our Augusta and East Greenville employees have worked hard to help their plants succeed. Rather, this is a strategic business decision. As a company, we continue to consolidate work into plants where we believe we can achieve the greatest manufacturing and distribution efficiencies. Work will be transferred to other Quad/Graphics locations throughout the United States. The Augusta plant is approximately 650,000 square feet and employs approximately 250 employees. It specializes in printing retail advertising inserts and catalogs. The East Greenville plant is approximately 425,000 square feet and employs approximately 400 people. It specializes in printing magazines and catalogs. We value the talents and contributions of employees impacted by today’s announcement, Quad/Graphics needs skilled, dedicated employees for job openings in a number of our plants where we are consolidating work. Therefore, Quad/Graphics will help employees who are willing to relocate take advantage of other opportunities within the company. All full-time employees who do not transfer to another Quad plant are eligible for a separation package that includes pay, extension of healthcare benefits and career outplacement assistance. We continue to transform our company during this challenging time in the printing industry. We remain focused on serving our clients well while positioning ourselves to compete aggressively in the market, and achieve long-term stability and success.