TC Transcontinental says it will close its printing facility in Owen Sound at the end of January 2027 as part of an effort to optimize its national printing network. The company announced earlier this week that the closure will affect approximately 360 employees. Patrick Brayley, chief operating officer of TC Transcontinental, said ongoing productivity improvements across the company’s printing network and changes in its product mix have allowed production to be consolidated at other facilities. “As a result, we have made the difficult decision to close our Owen Sound plant,” Brayley said in a statement. The facility has been part of TC Transcontinental since 1992. Brayley said the decision was not made lightly and acknowledged the impact on workers, their families and the Owen Sound community. The company said it will provide support to employees through the transition, including career transition services, and will work with customers as production shifts to other locations. TC Transcontinental chief executive officer Sam Bendavid said the company continues to adapt to changing market conditions while expanding higher-growth segments of its business, including in-store marketing, specialty services and educational publishing. Bendavid said the company must continue taking steps to remain competitive while stabilizing its traditional printing operations. He also thanked Owen Sound employees for their contributions to the company over the years. Despite the closure, TC Transcontinental said Ontario will remain a key part of its operations, with about 40 per cent of its workforce based in the province. The company operates facilities in Vaughan, Aurora, Brampton, Paris and Mississauga, and also has operations in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and Nova Scotia. The Owen Sound facility is scheduled to cease operations at the end of January 2027. Owen Sound mayor pledges support Owen Sound’s mayor says local officials are working to coordinate support for hundreds of workers affected by TC Transcontinental’s decision to close its printing facility in the city. In a statement, Mayor Ian Boddy said the facility has been a significant part of the community for decades, noting its roots in Owen Sound date back to 1907. He called the announcement deeply concerning for the employees, families and local businesses. “On behalf of city council and the City of Owen Sound, I want those impacted to know that your community is behind you.” Boddy said he has directed the city manager to lead efforts to bring together key partners in response to the closure. The city said it has already connected with the Ontario government, Grey County, Georgian College and Employment Services Bruce Grey Huron Perth, and has spoken directly with TC Transcontinental. “Our immediate priority is to understand the situation before determining what further action is needed,” Boddy said. The mayor said the city is currently gathering information on the effects of the closure and the supports already available to affected workers. The findings will help determine whether additional assistance is required.
