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.
“Today’s announcement by Quad/ Graphics is good news for West Allis, Milwaukee County and southeastern Wisconsin,” said state Sen. Jim Sullivan (D-Wauwatosa). “Quad/Graphics is one of the largest employers in the 5th Senate District and one of the best corporate citizens in Wisconsin. Their expansion means more good-paying jobs with benefits, further revitalization of West Allis, and the type of economic development that is necessary to move our state economy forward. I am very excited that Quad/Graphics is expanding and commend them for their investment in southeastern Wisconsin.”
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker said, “Quad/Graphics is a great leader in our county and region – as well as a leader in the industry. (This expansion) is a major win for them, the county and the region.”
“Through the investment of tax increment financing, the city gained family-supporting jobs, tax base and a leading international printing business,” said West Allis Alderman Tom Lajsic, chair of the city’s Safety & Development Committee.
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.
“Timely, efficient delivery is a key ingredient in our customers’ success,” Quadracci said. “When we bring together freight at our distribution center to create more efficient outbound loads, we reduce the number of stops our trucks must make for deliveries. Our clients benefit from less handling and quicker transfer of their magazines or catalogs to U.S. Postal Service facilities for in-home delivery. The environment benefits, too, because we reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide and other emissions.”
The new distribution center will replace an existing leased facility a few miles southeast of the new location.
Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas said, “I greatly appreciate that Quad/Graphics remains committed to growing its business here in southeast Wisconsin. In addition to placing a very high value on their employees, customers and community service, the company clearly leads by example through its investment in cutting-edge technologies and environmentally sound business practices. We here in Waukesha County are very proud of the organization.”
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 recently announced that it will posthumously honor Quad/Graphics founder, the late Harry Quadracci, 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.
