NASHVILLE, TN – The Board of Directors of The United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH) has announced a partnership with LSC Communications (NYSE: LKSD) for print and digital product distribution. As part of this transition, UMPH will be closing their distribution center at Great Circle Road in Nashville, TN. LSC recently debuted as a standalone public company following the spin-off from R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co.
UMPH, through its Cokesbury retail division and Abingdon Press publishing arm, produces resources for congregations, church leaders, seminaries, study groups, and individuals. With advances in just-in-time inventory management, partnering with LSC for product distribution will increase flexibility, reduce costs, and help UMPH maintain the highest quality and speed of service for customers.
“Dramatic changes in the publishing and distribution industries require that we focus on our essential core competencies and partner with others for supporting functions that they can provide more efficiently and economically,” said Tammy Gaines, CFO of UMPH. “Our retail customers will receive outstanding service through this partnership.”
The expected closing date for the Nashville distribution center is March of 2017. UMPH is taking steps to help ensure the well-being of affected personnel, assisting them with severance packages and job search services.
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The United Methodist Publishing House is a publisher and distributor to Christian clergy and laity, with primary responsibilities for the publishing and distribution for The United Methodist Church. The Publishing House is a fully self-supporting agency and receives no general church funds.