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Mediahuis Ireland is closing its state of the art Newry printworks based at Carnbane. Formerly known as Independent News and Media it became Mediahuis in May 202. The organisation prints the Sunday Independent, Irish Independent, Sunday World, Sunday Life, Belfast Telegraph, The Herald, Ireland's Own and 12 local weekly publications. It is part of a privately-owned European media group, headquartered in Belgium and is the largest wholesale distributor of newspapers and magazines on the island.
In a press statement Mediahuis Ireland said they were transitioning to a digital focused news organisation.
Future print requirements will be placed with the Irish Times group and other third-party providers. Mediahuis has, over recent years, consolidated its print requirements from three previously owned printing facilities into one centralised site in Newry, and already has certain sub-contracting arrangements in place with a number of third-party service providers.
The Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, will continue to be printed in Northern Ireland.
A statement said the proposal to close the printing facility is a "direct consequence of reduced newspaper volumes and escalating prices including substantial distribution costs."
The statement added "We appreciate the impact of both of these announcements on those employees directly involved, which includes a number of highly qualified and experienced printing, mechanical and electrical specialists and members of our talented publishing team. We will commence a period of consultation and engagement to ensure that these employees are fully supported throughout the process, and we will do our utmost to communicate transparently and to manage the transition as efficiently as possible."
Plans are to have the Newry facility closed by the beginning of 2023.
