Readers of the Aachener Zeitung may have noticed something unusual. The feeling that they're now holding a slightly larger newspaper is quite accurate. Their paper has grown a few centimeters taller.
Why is that? Well, Euregio Druck GmbH (printing plant) and Aachener Presseversand GmbH (distribution center), both part of the Medienhaus Aachen group, have ceased operations. After more than 78 years, Medienhaus Aachen has abandoned its Aachen printing facility. Since the end of May, the Aachener Zeitung has been printed in Paal-Beeringen, Belgium, by Coldset Printing Partners, which, like the Aachener Zeitung, belongs to the European Mediahuis group. "This is difficult for us, as the printing plant and distribution center have always been integral parts of a newspaper publisher," says Medienhaus CEO Andreas Müller. "But newspaper publishers are evolving into media companies that have to adapt to the changing times."
The declining circulation of print products over many years, coupled with rising production and distribution costs, made operating the Aachen printing plant economically unviable. The Aachen printing company had tried until the very end to secure its future by outsourcing printing contracts for daily newspapers, advertising circulars, and advertising inserts. Ultimately, despite its excellent technical equipment and highly qualified staff, the printing plant could not compete with its rivals. Around 50 employees, as well as additional temporary workers, are affected in the printing plant and distribution department; alternative employment has been found for many of them.
With careful planning, the relocation of the printing plant to Paal-Beeringen, an hour from Aachen, was initiated. To ensure that subscribers continue to receive their daily newspapers on time each morning, the editorial deadline for print content has been moved forward to late afternoon. The media company's logistics department has developed a solution for the transport and distribution of the approximately 65,000 newspapers, which operates via three new logistics depots in Würselen near Aachen, in Heinsberg and in Niederzier in the district of Düren.
The print quality from Paal-Beringen is a source of great satisfaction in Aachen, and the new partnership has gotten off to a smooth start. The Aachen media group launched a major information campaign to thoroughly prepare its readers for the change, introducing both the old and new printing facilities, explaining the logistics, and, in doing so, publishing an informational series – also in its online publications – that explains the modern way the Aachener Zeitung works: "How our editorial team works today."
Furthermore, the Aachener Zeitung's e-paper has been heavily promoted for weeks, which is already showing noticeable results. During special events – the European Football Championship being the first example – the e-paper is updated in the evening.
The advertising supplement "Aachener Zeitung am Sonntag" is now printed at Weiss-Druck in Monschau. This company has previously produced half of the circulation of the free weekly newspapers from the Aachen media group.
