LSC Communications and United Methodist Publishing House Enter Supply Chain Agreement

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — October 19, 2016 — The United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH) has announced a new partnership with the RR Donnelley spin-off LSC Communications, according to a press release. Under the new terms, LSC will provide book fulfillment and distribution services for UMPH. Additionally, UMPH will be closing its distribution center here, a move that leaves 40 employees without jobs.

UMPH publishes and distributes religious resources primarily for The United Methodist Church. UMPH’s primary channels include its Cokesbury retail division, Abingdon Press and the Common English Bible. Three years ago, UMPH closed its last Cokesbury bookstore and moved sales online.

“Dramatic changes in the publishing and distribution industries require that we focus on our essential core competencies and partner with others for supporting functions that they can provide more efficiently and economically,” Tammy Gaines, CFO of UMPH, stated in the release. “Our retail customers will receive outstanding service through this relationship.”

Dave McCree, president of the Book and Directory divisions at LSC Communications, added, “Our specialized book fulfillment services are designed to enable book publishers to better manage inventory, improve fill rates and reduce freight costs while freeing up capital to focus on their core business. We look forward to serving UMPH with creative solutions to drive additional value from their supply chain while providing exceptional service to their end customers.”

According to an article in The Tennessean, approximately 400 UMPH employees currently perform pick, pack and ship tasks. A few positions will be brought over to UMPH's nearby headquarters. Officials say the affected workers will receive severance packages and job search services.

The expected closing date for the Nashville center is March of 2017.