The Omaha World-Herald's New Plant Prepares the Newspaper for a Busy Future

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The following is an IIR Industry Alert researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources, Incorporated; Houston, Texas). In September 2001, the Omaha World-Herald held grand opening ceremonies for their new 270,000 sqft printing and distribution facility located on Capitol Street in Omaha, Nebraska. The new Capital street location will enable the publisher to continue to expand its newspaper coverage and distribution, but most importantly, relieve the burden of their overstressed existing Dodge street facility.

With the new facility in operation, the company is now in a position to allow a much needed rebuild of three (3) older 1,661 ton printing presses at the Dodge street location that will occur over the next few years. Plans are to select an engineering firm for the rebuilds in 2003 and begin press disassembly and modification during 2004.

The Dodge Street complex, dubbed Freedom Center, consists of four (4) buildings, covering 335,000 sqft including an underground tunnel that connects the distribution center with the printing plant. An automated shuttle system moves rolls of paper and inserts between the two (2) buildings as needed.

The Omaha World-Herald has been a staple in Omaha since it ran its first copy in 1885. With distribution statewide and into Iowa, the paper prints five (5) editions daily and provides news, commentary, information, and advertising for its subscribers.