OWEN SOUND, ON—Transcontinental RBW Graphics has installed a new press and is expanding its workforce thanks to a $267,372 boost from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund.

The TC Transcontinental subsidiary is one of two businesses in the area to receive financial support, the other being Klassic Coconut, a provider of coconut-based food products. In total the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment says the fund will create 34 new jobs and help retain 458 existing employees in the region.

With the investment RBW Graphics has added a Harris N954 web offset press, and is creating 24 new positions while retaining an existing 446. Five of the new positions are being filled by employees from elsewhere in the company's network.

"Transcontinental RBW Graphics is pleased with this opportunity to partner with the Ontario government," stated Brian Reid, president of TC Transcontinental Printing. "This investment will help us expand production in Owen Sound to meet the demands of the retail flyer market."

RBW Graphics was acquired by Transcontinental in 1992 and specializes in long-run magazines and catalogues. (A bit of tangential history: Reid began his journey up the ranks starting at RBW in 1982. He was made general manager of the plant in 1997, and in 2003 was promoted to senior vice president of the company's magazine and catalogue division. He was appointed president of Transcontinental's print sector in 2008.)

In 2008 the plant grew its staff by 100 and expanded its facility when Transcontinental signed to print Rogers Media's entire magazine portfolio. The six-year deal was later extended to 2019.