“It was a very difficult decision. But we felt to remain viable we needed to focus our efforts going forward on our core businesses: printing and publishing,” said Chief Executive Officer Jeanne A. Lampe.
Springfield Packaging closed last month, and employees at Rhoades Paper Box were told Monday that the plant, also at 2864 Columbus Ave., would soon shut down.
Lampe said one Rhoades employee will receive a position at 3G Graphic Solutions, 581 W. Leffel Lane. And BOXit Corp. has also agreed to retain a Rhoades employee.
Employees who lose their jobs will receive assistance from Job and Family Services of Clark County and can apply for positions with BOXit Corp. and Welch Packaging, Lampe said.
3G Graphic Solutions, which has been a local printing, packaging and publishing institution for decades, still owns Miller Printing, Armstrong Instant Print, Visual Education Association and Barrett Brothers Legal Publishers.
The company started in Springfield in 1891 as Miller Printing. Its name was changed to 3G Graphic Solutions in 2008.
Lampe and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Martin said the company had to sell Rhoades Paper Box and Springfield Packaging because they were “underperforming.”
Both said 3G Solutions officials are now investing more money into its printing and publishing business and recently hired a new salesperson and a new plant manager, and the company is looking into investing money in new technology.
David Zak, vice president of economic development with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, said he was saddened that area residents lost their jobs. But he said he hoped that by selling the companies, 3G would see benefits in the future.
“Certainly any jobs gained is great and any job loss is something that we don’t like to see. ... But our hope is that by 3G selling off these noncore businesses, they will be able to grow.”
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