Quad Shuttering Jonesboro Plant, 600 Jobs to Be Lost

SUSSEX, WI—Quad/Graphics Inc. announced it will cease production at its Jonesboro, AR, facility in the fourth quarter of 2012 as it continues to consolidate work into its most efficient manufacturing platforms. The plant encompasses approximately 600,000 square feet and currently employs roughly 600 people.

"We continue to make the bold and necessary moves to strengthen our platform and overall competitive position, and create value for our clients and shareholders," said Joel Quadracci, chairman, president and CEO of Quad/Graphics.

The company says it will actively assist Jonesboro employees in finding new jobs, including those available at other Quad/Graphics locations. "We value the talents and contributions of employees impacted...we will help them with their career transitions," Quadracci added.

"We need skilled, experienced employees for a variety of positions throughout our company, and we will share those opportunities with Jonesboro employees willing to relocate."

A second round of layoffs has also taken place at the Quad/Graphics facility in Dickson, TN, according to The Dickson Herald. Sixty workers were reportedly let go in January, and another 50 were slated to be released by the end of February. However, the final February layoff total was said to be 15 less than what the company had previously planned.

The Dickson plant was part of the Worldcolor acquisition, the newspaper said. It prints books and publications, including USA Weekend.