Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy has issued a statement on the planned closure of the TC Transcontinental RBW printing plant in Owen Sound. Workers learned this week the plant would be shut down in January, and 360 jobs would be lost.
See the mayor’s statement below:
TC Transcontinental has been part of our community since 1992, with roots in Owen Sound reaching back to 1907, when Richardson, Bond & Wright (RBW) built a printing plant in our city. For generations, this operation has been a strong and significant employer, and its work has touched the daily lives of many residents and businesses throughout our community.
(Wednesday’s) announcement is deeply concerning for the employees, families and local businesses affected. On behalf of City Council and the City of Owen Sound, I want those impacted to know that your community is behind you.
Given the significance of this announcement for our community, I have asked the City Manager to lead the City’s efforts to bring key partners together around a coordinated response. Today, we have connected with the Province of Ontario, Grey County, Georgian College and Employment Services Bruce Grey Huron Perth, and have spoken directly with TC Transcontinental. Together, we are working to better understand the needs of affected employees and the broader impact on our community, and to identify the supports and resources that can assist those affected.
Our immediate priority is to understand the situation before determining what further action is needed. The City Manager is working with our partners to gather information about the impact on employees and the community. This information-gathering phase is important. It will help us identify the needs, understand the supports already available and determine where additional assistance is required.
The City of Owen Sound is committed to advocating for our community, connecting residents with available supports and working with our partners to pursue opportunities that protect and strengthen local employment. As we develop a clearer understanding of the impacts and needs, we will be in a better position to determine the appropriate next steps and will share further information with the community.
Owen Sound is a resilient, skilled and caring community. We have strong partners coming together, and we will meet this challenge with compassion for those affected and a clear focus on supporting a strong future for our city.