State Notice Confirms 159 Job Losses In Star Tribune Printing Plant Closure, Up From Earlier Estimate

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — About 159 employees will lose their jobs when the Star Tribune’s Heritage Print Facility in Minneapolis permanently closes, according to a new state WARN notice, a higher number than previously reported.

The notice, filed with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, states that the printing plant at 800 North First Street will shut down, with layoffs beginning Dec. 28, 2025, and continuing through March 31, 2026.

The filing adds detail to the Star Tribune’s September announcement that it would end a 158-year run of local printing and move production to a Gannett-owned facility in Des Moines, Iowa. At that time, company officials said about 125 jobs would be lost.

Positions affected span nearly every area of operations, from press operators and machinists to mailroom staff, maintenance leads, and management roles, including the vice president of production operations.

Employees are represented by several unions, including the Printing, Publishing and Paper Workers Union Local 11-M, District Lodge No. 77 of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, Teamsters Local 120, SEIU Local 26, and IBEW Local 292.

Bumping rights do not exist, meaning affected employees cannot displace others to remain employed.

In September, Star Tribune CEO Steve Grove said the move will save "several millions" annually, funds that will be reinvested in the company’s digital operations. He added that subscribers "will not experience any disruption in delivery."

State Rapid Response Team Senior Specialist John Mohs will coordinate response efforts for affected workers, according to the notice.