TC Transcontinental is closing its printing facility in Owen Sound.
Employees were informed by the company during a meeting at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre Wednesday afternoon the Owen Sound RBW Graphics plant will be shutting down permanently at the end of January 2027.
The plant closure will result in the loss of about 360 jobs.
“This has been a very difficult decision. We are very sorry about the impact this is going to have on all affected employees, as well as the community,” TC Transcontinental Chief Operating Officer Patrick Brayley says. “TC Transcontinental has been in business for 50 years, and throughout the history we’ve continuously evaluated what the market is looking for, and how to match demand with supply.”
“And unfortunately, the outcome of this work we’ve done more recently has led us to the conclusion we can operate with one fewer location in our network.”
Work currently completed at Transcontinental RBW Graphics in Owen Sound will be transferred to five other locations in TC’s network.
Brayley says TC Transcontinental has retained a career services firm to help affected employees in Owen Sound transition to their next step. He says the company will be “respectful with severance arrangements” and some opportunities will also be available within TC Transcontinental’s network.
Asked about the future of the property after the plant closes, Brayley says “selling the property is a real possibility.”
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy: “This is pretty sad news. A company that’s been in the city for well over 100 years. A number of people, and families that have been employed there over the years, generations of people sometimes. We’re concerned about the people that work there and how this affects them.”
“Anytime anybody loses a job in the community, when several people lose a job, it affects everybody around them,” Boddy continues. “It’s worrisome.”
The RBW Graphics printing plant was acquired by TC Transcontinental in 1992. The company operated the plant as Transcontinental RBW Graphics.
According to historical archives, RBW has roots dating back to 1853 in Owen Sound. The name RBW comes from the partners who started the printing firm, Richardson, Bond and Wright.