ILLINOIS (From news reports) -- LSC Communications, which is closing two plants in Lancaster County, and will lay off about 656 people, will move the work at those two locations to its long-run print facilities in Maple Grove, Minnesota and Warsaw, Indiana.
The company said that the closing of the plants is due to the continuing decline in demand for long-run catalog and magazine printing.
"LSC emerged from bankruptcy a few years ago and we've been doing everything possible, through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, to stabilize our business and plan for growth in the future," Stephanie Mains, CEO of LSC, said in a statement. "At the same time, demand for long-run catalog and magazine printing has continued to decline, while paper and ink costs continue to rise. Our customers are reducing their page counts and print runs, and some are converting to other marketing channels, forcing us to closely examine our operations and position ourselves for winning in a new marketplace."
"The consolidation decision was made after having exhausted all other options for the business. It has zero to do with our team members' abilities or commitment; they are exceptional workers and people, and we're doing everything possible to support them during this transition period. Our Lancaster employees have earned their place in the rich history of American printing, and we are thankful for their contributions to the company and their local community."
Melissa Noebes, senior vice president of LSC Communications said that customers will continue to be served without interruption.
"As you might imagine, this is a difficult time for us," she said in an e-mail.
Noebes said that the company is prioritizing its efforts on the company's impacted employees and is focusing on job placement assistance, career transition support and severance packages. She said that already six area employers have reached out with job opportunities.
LSC Communications offers print-related services and office products. The company spun off from the R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company in 2016 and was acquired by Atlas Holdings in 2020.
LSC Communications filed a WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notice with the state. The company informed the state that it will lay off 276 employees at its Lancaster East Plant at 216 Greenfield Road in Lancaster and approximately 380 people at its Lancaster West Plant at 1375 Harrisburg Pike in Lancaster. The layoffs are expected to take place on March 31.
"The consensus among our employees and customers is that many saw this coming; however, it is still a shocker when the inevitable finally happens," Noebes said.
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