TC Transcontinental Closing Owen Sound Plant: 360 Employees Affected

TC Transcontinental announced on October 14, 2026, that it will permanently close its Owen Sound, Ontario, printing plant at the end of January 2027. Approximately 360 employees will lose their jobs as the company moves production to other facilities across Canada.

The closure of Transcontinental RBW Graphics brings an end to a printing operation that has been part of Owen Sound for generations. Many employees are expected to keep working until January, while others may have opportunities to transfer to another company location.

For affected non-unionized employees, the closure could mean substantial severance pay. Depending on their circumstances, workers could be entitled to up to 24 months’ compensation, even if they’ve already received several months’ notice.

Why Is TC Transcontinental Closing Its Owen Sound Plant?

TC Transcontinental says improvements at its other printing facilities, along with changes in customer demand, mean it can handle the Owen Sound plant’s work elsewhere.

Employees learned about the closure during a meeting at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre on October 14. The company plans to move production to five other facilities in its Canadian network.

The Owen Sound plant has been part of TC Transcontinental since 1992, but its roots in the community go back more than a century. Known locally as RBW Graphics, the operation has employed generations of local families.

The company says it will provide severance arrangements, counselling and help finding new employment. Some workers may also have opportunities at other TC Transcontinental plants.

Most of the roughly 360 affected employees are expected to remain at work until the end of January 2027.

How Much Severance Could Owen Sound Employees Receive?

Non-unionized employees at TC Transcontinental could be owed up to 24 months’ severance pay when their jobs end. The amount depends on their age, years of service, position, employment contract and ability to find comparable work.

For employees who have spent much of their careers at RBW Graphics, severance could be especially important. Experienced press operators, technicians, maintenance workers and production supervisors may have difficulty finding similar jobs in the Owen Sound area.

There’s no automatic rule that limits severance to one or two weeks of pay for every year worked. Long-serving employees could be entitled to considerably more.

TC Transcontinental’s first offer may be much less than you’re owed. Have it reviewed before signing a severance agreement.

Does Working Until January Affect Your Severance?

Yes, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll receive less than you’re entitled to.

TC Transcontinental expects many Owen Sound employees to continue working until the plant closes. That advance notice (known as working notice) can count toward some of the company’s obligations.

Even if you work until January 2027, you could still be owed additional severance pay. Your age, years of service and ability to find another job all matter.

Don’t assume the company has paid everything it owes simply because you were told about the closure months in advance.

What If TC Transcontinental Offers You A Job At Another Plant?

Some employees may have the option of transferring to another TC Transcontinental facility.

You don’t automatically lose your severance rights by refusing a transfer. Whether another job is a reasonable alternative depends on its location, pay, duties and working conditions.

For someone who has spent years working in Owen Sound, relocating to another city or taking on a much longer commute may not be practical.

Before accepting or turning down another position, find out how the decision could affect your compensation.

What Should Affected TC Transcontinental Employees Do?

If you’re losing your job because of the Owen Sound closure, don’t rush to sign a severance agreement.

• Keep your documents. Save your closure notice, employment contract and any severance offer.
• Check your full compensation. Your wages, benefits, bonuses and other regular compensation can affect what you’re owed.
• Ask about transfer offers. Get advice before accepting or refusing a job at another location.
• Have your severance reviewed. An employment lawyer can determine whether you’re entitled to more money.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP helps non-unionized employees in Ontario understand their severance rights and pursue the compensation they’re owed. If you’re unionized, contact your union representative about the closure and your collective agreement.

For more information about the company and its previous plant closures, visit our TC Transcontinental layoffs and severance pay page.

Before you sign, always check first.

Sources

• TC Transcontinental: Official Owen Sound closure announcement, October 14, 2026
• Bayshore Broadcasting: Plant closure, job losses and employee support
• Owen Sound Current: Closure timeline and impact on workers

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about TC Transcontinental’s layoffs and Canadian employment law, not legal advice. Your rights depend on your employment circumstances, contract and applicable law.