The Shepparton News is now being printed at a larger, faster and newer press at Wodonga, following the acquisition by McPherson Media Group of the former Border Mail Print Centre from Australian Community Media.
As the Melbourne Rd presses completed their final print runs this week - on Tuesday, October 27 - group Executive Chairman Ross McPherson said the rumble of the press line had been a part of his life for as long as he could remember and that he would miss it.
“It is certainly the end of an era so far as I am concerned, although most metropolitan newspapers moved to separate print centres around 30 years ago.”
He said changing technologies and consumer habits meant the presses supported just one of several platforms now, with much of the group’s publishing being produced online, as well as to mobile and tablet devices.
“The Wodonga press allows us to grow the printing business with significant additional printing clients on top of The News and its sister publications. It is a good opportunity for the group and we believe we can better meet the continuing demand for printed products, particularly amongst our older readers,” Mr McPherson said.
“However, while it has been a necessary decision, it has not been an easy one and meant farewelling a number of long-serving printing staff from the Shepparton plant.”
MMG’s publishing operations for The News and group publications will remain headquartered in Shepparton.
