RR Donnelley closes its doors in Jefferson City

RR Donnelley employees in Jefferson City walked off the job for the last time Tuesday.

In August, the publisher announced it would shutter its operations in the capital city and nearly 500 employees would lose their jobs.

While it is a hard day for employees and their families, city officials are focusing on getting those workers placed in new jobs in the area and making sure the facility is repurposed.

A spokesman for the city’s Chamber of Commerce says despite the plant’s closure, there is still plenty to be thankful for in Jefferson City.

The state is the city’s largest employer with nearly 14,000 stable jobs.

St. Mary’s Health Center is the fifth largest employer in the capital city. The new $200 million hospital under construction has helped to generate construction jobs.

Chamber officials say a new dog food bag company just opened east of the city, bringing 20 to 30 new jobs and a proposed Sam’s Club will employ more than 100 people.

Some of the 500 Jefferson City RR Donnelley employees will be transferred to the company’s facility in Owensville.