QuadWinkowski, the Poland-based printer owned by Quad/Graphics, has announced plans to consolidate its operations into one massive production facility. Quad/Graphics gained majority ownership in Polish printer Winkowski in December 2007 and rebranded that company as QuadWinkowski.
Quad/Graphics spokesperson Claire Ho says the consolidation should be completed by the end of the year. The Pila plant currently employs 650 people and a “substantial number” will be offered relocation packages to Wyszków, Ho says. At this time, she says it is unknown how many layoffs will occur due to the consolidation. “We are in the process of consulting with the trade unions,” she adds.
The company will move the majority of the Pila plant’s high-speed web offset presses and binding equipment to Wyszków. The presses’ cutoff sizes complement the capabilities already installed at the Wyszków plant, adding to the facility’s manufacturing flexibility. Redundant, underutilized capacity will be shut down.
Equipment relocations will start in July. After the consolidation is finished, the Pila facility will be permanently closed. The company will time the equipment moves so that it can meet all client commitments with no service interruptions.
By centralizing operations, Ho says: “We’ll be able to offer an expanded range of capabilities under one roof in a facility well-suited for efficient manufacturing workflow.”