Print and media company to create 45 jobs in Franklin, Versailles

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Commercial printing company Quad/Graphics will invest nearly $3 million and create 45 new full-time jobs by expanding in Franklin and Versailles, Governor Matt Bevin announced today.

“A company planning to grow its business in Kentucky is always great news. Quad/Graphics’ decision to simultaneously expand two of its plants in the Commonwealth is even better,” said Gov. Matt Bevin. “As Quad/Graphics looks to consolidate its operations across the nation, it speaks volumes about Kentucky’s overall work environment that the company chose to expand both its Franklin and Versailles plants. We look forward to ensuring that our partnership grows deeper and stronger in the years ahead.”

At its Versailles location, Quad/Graphics will invest nearly $2.5 million, create 20 jobs and retain 468 others. In Franklin, it will invest nearly $480,000, create 25 jobs and retain 148 positions. It also plans to invest in plants it views as part of its long-term plan. The company’s retail-insert plant in Franklin and book production operation in Versailles are slated to receive continuing upgrades to ensure each maintains up-to-date technology, high production and efficient operations to provide customers with cost-effective service.

“Quad/Graphics is proud to be fortifying our presence in Kentucky,” said Joel Quadracci, Chairman, President & CEO of Quad/Graphics. “We value this partnership with Governor Bevin, the State of Kentucky and the local governments, which enables us invest in the talent and technology we need to continue delivering cost-effective, innovative solutions to marketers and publishers everywhere. In Versailles, we are using new digital print technology to produce books on demand, bringing zero inventory and just-in-time delivery closer to reality. In Franklin, we have an advanced, cost-efficient platform for producing retail advertising inserts, among other products. Through these investments, we show our dedication to helping our clients achieve their business objectives.” 

Founded in 1971 in an abandoned millwork factory just west of Milwaukee, Wis., Quad/Graphics started with a rented printing press and a borrowed binder. The company, now based in Sussex, Wis., has since grown to become the second-largest provider of print and media solutions in the western hemisphere. It operates a network of printing plants spanning 28 U.S. states with more than 70 facilities employing 20,000-plus workers. At the forefront of innovation in the printing industry for nearly 45 years, Quad/Graphics creates value for its publishing and marketing clients by helping them perform better in today’s rapidly changing world through innovative solutions that improve efficiencies, reduce costs, lift response and increase revenue.

“We are pleased to have Quad/Graphics creating 25 new jobs and investing almost $500,000 into its existing facility in Franklin,” said Sen. David Givens, of Greensburg. “Not only is this investment beneficial for economic growth, but is also essential in retaining the existing 148 jobs provided by the company in Simpson County. We are thankful to Quad/Graphics for its continued faith in the community.”

“This is great news for Franklin and those who work there and are poised to be hired,” said Rep. Wilson Stone, of Scottsville. “I want to thank Quad/Graphics for moving in this direction and investing further in our community. I also appreciate the hard work by our local and state economic development leaders. They play a critical role in making announcements like these possible.”

“We are very pleased with the expansion of jobs and the investment of new equipment at Quad/Graphics,” said Franklin Mayor Ronnie Clark. “This has been an important industry for Franklin for over 30 years and we are glad to see them grow in our community.”

“Quad/Graphics is one of the most important industries we have in Simpson County,” said Simpson County Judge-Executive Jim Henderson. “The new jobs and investment they are bringing to our area will allow our local citizens to have opportunities at good paying jobs with an excellent company. We appreciate Quad/Graphics’ continued investment in Franklin and Simpson County.”

“Quad/Graphics’ investment shows the company is pleased with the productivity of the Versailles book plant and the dedication of our workforce,” said Sen. Julian Carroll, of Frankfort, whose district encompasses Versailles. “We welcome the new jobs and opportunities to Woodford County. This company has proven to be a good corporate partner and I wish them continued success.”

“I really appreciate Quad/Graphics’ decision to invest further in its Versailles location and to add these new jobs to a workforce that has long proven it is second-to-none,” said Rep. James Kay, of Versailles. “This is a perfect example of how printing companies can thrive in a digital age. I want to thank its leaders for taking this step and our local and state officials for working with Quad/Graphics to make it possible.”

“Quad/Graphics has been a fixture in this community for many years and experienced many transitions in a global economy,” said Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott. “We are fortunate to be able to provide a skilled workforce that contributes to the success of the company and community. Congratulations to Quad/Graphics and thank you!”

“Again, Quad/Graphics has chosen to expand its operations in Woodford County and this speaks highly of a skilled workforce available in our community,” said Woodford County Judge-Executive John Coyle. “We wish Quad/Graphics much continued success and thank state officials and Woodford EDA for helping us expedite this project for the citizens of Woodford County.”

To encourage Quad/Graphics’ investment and job growth in the state, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $400,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program for the Franklin expansion and $400,000 for the Versailles project. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets. 

In addition, Quad/Graphics is eligible to receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.