Quad/Graphics Expands Two Kentucky Locations, Creates 45 Jobs

Quad/Graphics just gave the state of Kentucky some good news this holiday season. The commercial printer announced a $3 million expansion plan for its respective Franklin and Versailles plants, resulting in the creation of 45 new full-time jobs.

According to Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, the Versailles location will receive approximately $2.5 million and 20 new jobs; meanwhile, $480,000 will go to the Franklin plant, along with 25 new jobs.

“A company planning to grow its business in Kentucky is always great news," Bevin said in a release. "Quad/Graphics’ decision to simultaneously expand two of its plants in the commonwealth is even better. As Quad/Graphics looks to consolidate its operations across the nation, it speaks volumes about Kentucky’s overall work environment that the company chose to expand both its Franklin and Versailles plants. We look forward to ensuring that our partnership grows deeper and stronger in the years ahead.”

In an attempt to promote job growth in the state, the Kentucky Economic Development Authority preliminarily approved Quad/Graphics for tax incentives up to $400,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program for the Franklin expansion and $400,000 for the Versailles project, as reported in the release.

“Quad/Graphics is proud to be fortifying our presence in Kentucky,” said Joel Quadracci, chairman, president and CEO of Quad/Graphics. “We value this partnership with Gov. Bevin, the State of Kentucky and the local governments, which enables us [to] invest in the talent and technology we need to continue delivering cost-effective, innovative solutions to marketers and publishers everywhere.”

Quad/Graphics’ latest announcement is a swift departure from last month’s news of layoffs for 422 workers at the East Greenville, Pa. facility. As previously mentioned, those layoffs are expected to begin on or around Jan. 3, 2016. Claire Ho, a spokesperson for Quad/Graphics, told Philadelphia Magazine that the decision to close the East Greenville plant was in no way a reflection on its employees’ performance, but rather a “strategic business decision” in light of recent challenges facing the print industry.