Star Tribune Shifts Printing Operations to Iowa

The Minnesota Star Tribune has announced the closure of its printing facility in Minneapolis, with plans to move production to Iowa by the end of the year.

This decision marks the end of 158 years of newspaper printing in Minnesota, affecting around 125 employees, as confirmed in reports.

The closure stems from a decline in print readership, which has left the facility operating at just 18% of its capacity. The transition to the Gannett printing facility in Des Moines is positioned as a cost-saving measure that won’t disrupt service for subscribers.

Star Tribune’s publisher and CEO, Steve Grove, stated that this shift could save “millions” annually. He remarked that the move helps maintain resources and supports investment in digital transformation while prioritizing high-quality journalism in Minnesota.

While specific reasons for the decision weren’t detailed, it’s possible that Iowa’s lower tax rates played a role in these anticipated savings.

Establishing a physical presence in Iowa may indeed create new tax advantages. Currently, the corporate tax rate in Iowa stands at 7.1%, a notable decrease from Minnesota’s 9.8% rate.

Furthermore, the Tax Relief Foundation has suggested that this corporate tax rate could decrease to 5.5% by 2026.

The Star Tribune isn’t alone in this trend; the St. Paul Pioneer Press, which has been printed at the Star Tribune facility since 2014, is also set to move its printing to Des Moines.

The Minnesota News Guild expressed solidarity with the affected workers, reflecting on the sorrow of concluding a 158-year chapter of printing in the state and voicing disappointment that jobs will be relocated outside Minnesota.