Quad/Graphics Inc. will expand its Wisconsin operations with two major construction projects: a 192,000-square-foot expansion of its West Allis plant for the company’s growing direct mail operations; and, as previously announced, a new 388,800-square-foot distribution center in Menomonee Falls for cross-docking freight produced in its five Wisconsin plants.
"These two construction projects are exciting news for our company, our clients and our community," said Joel Quadracci, president and chief executive officer of the Sussex-based firm. "We are investing in our platform to give our employees advancement opportunities and to give our clients the most sophisticated printing and distribution capabilities."
"We’re putting on these expansions in anticipation of future growth," Quad/Graphics spokeswoman Claire Ho told SBT. "Over time, we could add between 50 and 100 jobs."
The West Allis expansion, which will cost $12 million to $14 million, will enhance Quad/Graphics’ direct mail production capabilities, adding production space on the northwest side of the plant. Construction is scheduled to begin in April, with completion anticipated by the end of March 2009.
The existing West Allis plant, opened in 1994, comprises nearly 1 million square feet and employs about 1,000 people. The plant is the headquarters to Quad/Graphics’ QuadData Solutions subsidiary and houses an extensive lineup of custom web, sheetfed and digital presses as well as an array of finishing equipment including saddle stitchers, perfect binders and inserters.
Quad/Graphics’ new distribution center in Menomonee Falls will be used to cross-dock less-than-full truckloads of freight from Quad/Graphics’ Wisconsin plants for expediting delivery of client product to U.S. Postal Service locations nationwide. The facility, which will feature 49 loading docks, is scheduled to open in April 2009.
The new distribution center will replace an existing leased facility a few miles southeast of the new location.
Chicago-based First Industrial Realty Trust Inc. will construct the new distribution center on a 22-acre parcel in an industrial park it is developing near U.S. Highway 45. Construction could begin in June. First Industrial will lease the space back to Quad/Graphics.
Small Business Times announced last week that it will honor Quad/Graphics founder Harry Quadracci posthumously with its Bravo! Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award. Joel Quadracci and other members of his family will accept the award on his father’s behalf at the Bravo! Entrepreneur Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 1.
