MONTREAL, QUEBEC--Transcontinental is consolidating its US direct marketing activities (personalized printing and data management) by regrouping its two Philadelphia operations under one roof and adding new equipment. These changes will substantially increase its production capacity, particularly its lettershop services, and permit it to better serve its growing customer base. "The relocation and expansion is an important step in our strategy for growth in the fast-growing direct marketing industry in the United States," said Serge Bragdon, president of Transcontinental Interactive, Transcontinental's interactive marketing subsidiary. "By integrating our US units and adding new equipment, we can give our customers greater marketing flexibility and superior services." Kevin Howley, vice-president and general manager of Transcontinental's US direct marketing operations, said: "These changes will improve communication and reduce cycle time for our customers, many of whom are Fortune 500 companies in the financial services, advertising, insurance, publishing and retail sectors. Improved customer service will enhance our reputation in this market." The new location is at Warminster, about 40 kilometres north of Philadelphia, within a former US Navy complex where the Apollo astronauts were trained. Occupying 220,000 square feet, the site will house the direct marketing printing, finishing, data processing, personalization, postal processing, bindery, and lettershop operations that are currently divided between twobusiness units. Two new 8-color Quantum web offset presses will be installed and two new laser printers will make it possible to add specialty features, such as inline finishing and personalization. The Warminster plant will be operational by August and the relocation will be completed by the end of the year. Transcontinental Interactive is an enabler of focused one-to-one marketing solutions through multimedia channels. Integrating Transcontinental's expertise in direct marketing operations, telemarketing, web design, and data management, Transcontinental Interactive delivers turnkey, innovative multi-channel solutions to help clients identify, reach, retain and grow profitable customers.