RR Donnelley to close JC plant; notice of closure attached

Editor's note: A newer version of this story posted Friday updates and expands on this initial version.

RR Donnelley, Jefferson City's 12th largest employer, told its employees this morning that the Jefferson City operations will be shut down.

Approximately 500 employees are expected to lose their jobs.

Employees got the news in a mass meeting with the rest of the third-shift workers. The plant had been operating every weekend and also had been doing overtime work.

The facility was established in Jefferson City in 1964 as part of Von Hoffmann Press. RR Donnelley acquired the plant in 2007. The operation specializes in printing and related business services, including print and digital publications.

The company has plants across North America and Europe, including one in Owensville.

In February 2009, the company laid off approximately 200 employees.

"They cited market conditions," said Randy Allen, president and CEO of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce. "We will do everything we can do to help.

"We will kick in along with Missouri Department of Economic Development and their rapid response team to work with employees on other opportunities."

A spokeswoman for the state Economic Development Department said this morning they just had learned of the announcement, and did not have a comment.

Allen said it was his understanding that today's announcement doesn't affect the Donnelley operations at Owensville.

In 2011, the company invested $6 million in the Owensville operations with more than 100 jobs being generated.

"These are good-paying jobs," Allen said. "I believe it's about $20 an hour, plus benefits," Allen said. "Even with two month's notice, there will have to be some cleanup, so I don't think there is any way they'll be able to get all the plant shut down - so some workers will be on past the two months notice."

Allen said the plant covers 700,000 square feet and might be the largest manufacturing facility in Jefferson City.