Sound Publishing halts work at Bainbridge plant

Sound Publishing Inc., the largest publisher of community and suburban newspapers in Washington, is suspending operations at its printing plant on Bainbridge Island.

The company announced Wednesday that the plant will temporarily close Jan. 2, affecting 44 full- and part-time employees.

The weak economy and difficulties in the publishing industry forced the decision, Sound President Manfred Tempelmayr said in a news release.

"There's no question that the economy is taking its toll on every business," he said. "Coupled with that, the publishing industry is going through a major transformation, which will lead to a reduction in printed products and an increase in our online offerings. Sound Publishing is a strong and viable company and we need to ensure that we take steps to build on that strength."

Tempelmayr said all the company's printing will be consolidated at its Everett plant, and that some of the Bainbridge Island employees will be offered the chance to work at that location. The Bainbridge facility will continue to serve as a staging area for newspaper delivery in Kitsap County.

"Our hope is that we will be able to resume operations at Bainbridge when the economy improves. We will be keeping the plant and equipment intact but do not know when we might be able to start up again," Tempelmayr said.

Sound Publishing recently reduced the number of editions for some of its suburban and community newspapers, resulting in less demand for printing capacity. Many of the company's commercial customers also have cut back on their print work.

Sound Publishing operates 30 community and suburban newspapers, two monthly business journals, and 17 weekly shoppers throughout Washington and Oregon. It also publishes two editions of the Northwest Navigator for the U.S. Navy, and is one of the region's largest commercial web printers.