News

By Lisa Cross -- Graphic Arts Online, 1/26/2009 6:30:00 AM

Drops in print spending continue to take their toll on the printing industry as more firms announce cuts in workforce and staff hours. Intelligencer Printing will cut 8.5% of its workforce or 19 employees. The move follows the Lancaster, PA-based company’s adoption of a four-day work week last year to avoid job cuts, and the consolidation and relocation of its fulfillment operations to 70,000-sq.ft. facility, more than doubling its previous space. The company reported sales were off last year by 2%. CEO Michael Stief says he is still upbeat about 2009 because of recent investments in technology and employee training directed at adopting to changing business demands.

Founded in 1794, Intelligencer Printing is one of the oldest operating U.S. commercial printing firms; it is owned by Steinman Enterprises, which also owns Lancaster Newspapers Inc., publisher of the Intelligencer Journal, New Era and Sunday News. The company bills annual sales of $50 million and serves clients in retail, direct mail, financial, pharmaceutical, high-tech and many other industry sectors.

The Lane Press laid off 10 employees and will cut many of its workers hour by 20%. The printing company, with $60 million sales, told the Burlington Free Press that move was in response to decline in magazine advertising spending. The South Burlington, VT-based firm prints more than 300 publications, including scholastic, regional, association, business-to-business and consumer titles.

Financial printer Bowne & Co. Inc., New York City, will cut 68 Dallas employees next month, reports the Dallas Morning News.

MeadWestvaco will shutter its envelope manufacturing and distribution operation in Enfield, CT, eliminating 190 jobs. Production and equipment will be transferred to other envelope operations. MeadWestvaco announced closures of multiple plants earlier this month.