Quebecor World Closing Effingham

MONTREAL—The U.S. magazine platform of Quebecor World suffered a devastating blow with the announcement that its Effingham, IL, printing facility would be closed by year's end. The move will result in the loss of about 600 jobs.

According to a company press release, select equipment from the 570,000-square-foot Effingham plant will be relocated throughout the Quebecor World magazine plant network. About 200 jobs will be recreated once the relocation initiative is finished.

The company felt the move was necessary to be able to "maintain its leadership in the increasingly competitive North American print market."

The announcement was the first step in a "significant reorganization" of the company's U.S. magazine offset platform, which will include investment in new technologies that will improve customer service.