Worzalla Completes $12.5 Million Modernization and Expansion Plan

Worzalla has announced the completion of its modernization and expansion plan. In October 2019, Worzalla had declared it would be investing $12.5 million in new machinery and capital improvements to the company’s headquarters in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

“In Worzalla’s long history, we have always adapted and evolved to be leaders in our industry and deliver for our customers,” said Jim Fetherston, President and CEO at Worzalla. “We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and the completion of the modernization and expansion plan as we look ahead to the next 125 years.”

Worzalla honored the occasion with a small virtual ribbon cutting ceremony featuring partners and customers from across the book printing industry.

“I congratulate the entire Worzalla staff on the expansion of the plant. I look forward to printing very many fast books with you,” said Susan Lynch of Melcher Media.

“To our friends at Worzalla, we want to say congratulations on your expansion, and we look forward to working with you in the future,” said Tracey Menzies of Harper Collins.

Worzalla’s modernization plan consisted of three key components. The first was the addition of 50,000 square feet to Worzalla’s manufacturing headquarters, an increase of 20%. The new space houses work-in-process, along with paper storage and additional bindery equipment. The other two components of the manufacturing plan included the addition of a new Heidelberg 106 press and a Kolbus perfect binder. Earlier this Spring, Worzalla ran the Name That Press competition to name the new Heidelberg 106 press, which was named “The Polar Ex-Press” by Teresa Jessee’s first grade class at Washington Elementary in Stevens Point after a round of public voting.

Worzalla currently prints titles from some of the country’s largest book publishers, including Disney Books, Abrams, Simon and Schuster, Hachette, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and others. Worzalla is best known for being the domestic manufacturer of the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

“We’re pleased to have ‘The Polar Ex-Press’ up and running and printing all sorts of popular children’s books, cookbooks, and more,” added Fetherston. “Thanks to our modernization plan partners, our associates, and the community for supporting us in our efforts to best prepare our company for the future.”

Due to quicker make-readies, enhanced efficiency, and increased reliability, Worzalla expects to achieve at least a 30% increase in production levels. Worzalla is also adding 50 new positions touching all aspects of the book manufacturing process. Worzalla currently has several open positions including for the roles of Shift Supervisor, Skilled Bindery Operations, Lead Web/Sheet Fed Press Operators, and entry level positions. Those interested in learning about a career at Worzalla can visit Worzalla.com.
http://www.worzalla.com/

Related Posts

RRD Expands Linerless Label Capacity to Meet Demand with a More Sustainable Alternative

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company announced it has increased its capacity for direct thermal linerless label production by approximately 40% as a direct response to client demand. With the recent installation of an additional linerless press at its plant in Monroe, WI, RRD is positioned to provide an innovative and readily available labeling solution that answers calls for both heightened productivity and sustainability. In the early 1990s, RRD was the first to develop, utilize commercially, and patent linerless labels. Today, this solution continues to improve profitability for RRD clients through operational effectiveness due to the elimination of the backing paper (liner). Conventional labels have a liner, where the label is pulled off a silicone-coated backer which is typically non-recyclable. This is one of the biggest drivers of waste in a label’s lifecycle. RRD’s linerless labels, however, deliver: *Up to 60% more labels per roll, reducing the downtime required to change rolls *Greater sustainability by eliminating liner waste *Minimized costs through reduced freight, warehousing, and liner disposal *Improved workplace safety through the elimination of slick silicone liners

Two Sides and National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers Announce Strategic Partnership

The National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) Board of Directors has announced its increased support of Two Sides North America, the non-profit organization that promotes and encourages the responsible production, use and sustainability of print and paper. NAPIM Executive Director, John Copeland and Director Regulatory Affairs and Technology, George Fuchs will be joining Two Sides’ Anti-Greenwash Task Force to ensure that the views of NAPIM members are considered in Two Sides campaign activities. Membership discussions are also underway with specific companies in the ink manufacturing sector to ensure representation within the Two Sides network of companies and governance. Click Read More below for additional information.

RRD Announces End-to-End Care Kit Solution for Healthcare Organizations to Drive Member Loyalty

Building on the success of RRD’s diagnostic test kits, the company now offers a wide range of diverse care kits spanning telemedicine prep, COVID-19, diabetes management, asthma, social isolation and more. The end-to-end solution encompasses kit ideation, design, item procurement, packaging, fulfillment and communications -- both inside and outside of the box. RRD has already curated nearly three million care kits on behalf of several dozen clients. A recent Wellframe study found 57% of Americans with chronic conditions have delayed healthcare services and experienced a gap in care due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, the 2021 Medicare Shopping and Switching Study found the use of care kits can help positively impact member impressions. In fact, 59% of Medicare Advantage members said receiving COVID-19 or flu kits improved their opinion of an insurer, demonstrating the ability of care kits to reaffirm company commitment to member and patient wellness.
Back To Top
×Close search
Search