Rory Ryan, Highland County Press
Employees of RR Donnelley (formerly Banta Publications) of Greenfield were informed Wednesday that the company would be closing its Greenfield facility in 60 days.
Greenfield City Manager Ron Coffey told The Highland County Press Wednesday that the local plant supervisor Brian McManus confirmed that was the case.
An employee’s family member contacted The Highland County Press Wednesday about the announcement.
“It’s a significant impact on our community,” Coffey said.
“There’s never a good time for something like this. It’s a sad day, and our hearts go out to this family. We ask the county to be thinking of these folks, and keeping them in their thoughts and prayers.”
Coffey said the city of Greenfield is interested in contacting RR Donnelley’s corporate offices to inquire if there is anything that can be done to maintain the local business or future use of the facility.
“This is a disappointing and unexpected turn of events, and our hearts go out to the employees and their families who are affected by the decision announced today,” Coffey said. “The Village of Greenfield will work with our representatives and agencies to try and facilitate a positive outcome for the 166 employees and their families.
“We are a close-knit community and have endured tough times before. In the weeks and months ahead, we hope to demonstrate resilience and perseverance as a community. As President Calvin Coolidge once put it, ‘Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan press on has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.’”
Coffey said he has called Doug Fitzgerald, executive vice president communications, at RR Donnelley’s Chicago office, but has not received a response.
According to Coffey, the local plant employed approximately 194 workers in 2011.
A WARN (Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification) notice filed today with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services indicates 166 local jobs will be lost. This brings the number of job-related WARN notices in Ohio to 1,110 since Jan. 1, 2013.
“Due to changing market conditions, RR Donnelley has developed plans to permanently close our facility located at 1025 North Washington St., Greenfield,” the company said. “Consistent with these plans, employment separations are expected to commence on or about May 6, 2013.”
“We are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible for our employees, our customers and for the community. At this time, the Company anticipates that employees will be permanently separated from employment with the Company during a 14-day period commencing on May 6.”
Highland County Commissioner Shane Wilkin said Wednesday he has heard sketchy reports about the possible plant closing. Wilkin said he had spoken with former Highland County Chamber of Commerce Director and current regional project manager with the Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth Katy Farber, who said she was told the plant would be closing May 6.
Coffey confirmed the May 6 closing date.
Wilkin said he is trying to schedule a meeting to discuss local options.
The Highland County Press’ calls to RR Donnelley’s corporate office were not immediately returned.