O-R to outsource printing, packaging
The Observer-Reporter on Monday notified its employees that it will outsource its printing and packaging functions later this summer.
In a letter to employees Monday afternoon, O-R Publisher Thomas Northrop said the decision to outsource the two functions was made to produce a significant cost savings, as well as to take advantage of the opportunity to print full color on every page of the newspaper, which would benefit advertisers.
“This was not a decision made lightly, and a variety of options were considered before taking this action,” Northrop wrote. “We feel this is a measured and prudent business decision for the company and not in any way a reflection of the staff involved. I greatly appreciate the hard work of both the press and mailroom staffs.”
Northrop, who said the O-R “has multiple options that should have minimal affect on the production schedule,” said the newspaper is not yet under contract for printing, but is working toward an agreement.
He said more information would be shared with employees as it becomes available.