American Press closing

By: Drew Jackson | Orange County Review
Published: July 06, 2011

One of Orange County's largest employers, American Press, told its employees Thursday that the Gordonsville company would be closing after nearly 40 years of business.
The publisher of catalogs and specialty publications told its approximately 130 employees that the plant would close because of a "significant downturn in business and a resulting inability to meet obligations as they come due." In a letter to employees, American Press said layoffs would likely come in stages, beginning on June 30 and ending August 31 at the latest.
Gordonsville Mayor Bob Coiner described the company as a family business, founded in the 1970s by Marshall Pettygrove, whose son Charlie is now CEO, and that it would be a business nearly impossible to replace.
"They've been a wonderful corporate citizen," said Coiner. "They've made a big impact on Gordonsville. Right now my sympathies go out to Marshall and Charlie Pettygrove and all the employees."
Repeated calls made to American Press seeking comment were not returned and the company did not provide an official statement on the closing.
Coiner said he understood the immense stress the company was under, given the economic downturn and the pressure experienced in the print media industry. He pointed to the rising costs of postal fees and the internet as likely factoring in the company's close.
"I was aware of the difficulties in the industry and was concerned about how American Press would fare," said Coiner. "It's the type of company you hate to see go. It wasn't just a place with 130 employees. You'll take those when you can get them, but some of them aren't that great. American Press was just such a great company."
Barbara Bannar, director of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce said that it's always regretful to see a county business shut its doors.
"Our concern is for all those employees," said Bannar. "We'll be working to help the employees find jobs and possible retraining to find a place for them."

American Press closing

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