Cranston – the textile printing, finishing and engraving division of Cranston Print Works Co.,
Cranston, R.I. – has announced it will close its Webster, Mass.-based manufacturing facility in
favor of outsourcing production. The mill currently produces 75 percent of the company’s goods, but
plans are to outsource 100 percent of production by June 1 this year. The company also will phase
out its light packaging operation at its Cranston, R.I.-based facility, with most of those
functions being absorbed by the Webster location.
The closure will affect approximately 75 employees. Fifty people will remain employed at the
Webster location in administration, customer service, sales, marketing, supply chain/global
sourcing, put-up/packaging and distribution. The company will maintain its design, sales and
executive offices in New York City.
“Our traditional over-the-counter fabric market continues to be highly competitive and
over supplied,” said Andrew F. Sylvia, president, Cranston. “The marketplace has become more
customized and less volume driven, causing excess capacity and increased costs. Moreover, as we
have successfully launched new product categories to expand our business, many of these products
cannot be produced in Webster. All of these factors coupled with the dire economic environment made
it necessary to change our business model.
“This was a very difficult and emotional decision,” Sylvia continued. “Most employees
are veterans of this company, with many over 30 years of service. The Webster plant is a premier
cotton print plant known throughout the world for its quality and cutting edge technology. This
reputation was built through the dedication and commitment of all the many employees who worked
here over the years and gave their best everyday. I have never been associated with a finer group
of people.”
Sylvia said the company will continue to offer quality products and services because of its
knowledge and proficiency in global sourcing developed over the past 10 years. “Our manufacturing
expertise in printing and finishing will remain in our global sourcing capabilities,” he said. “We
will continue to provide innovation and creativity through our V.I.P., Quilting Treasures and
Cranston Home brands.”
January 27, 2009
