The Hamilton Spectator is closing its printing and mailroom operations and exploring selling its building at 44 Frid St., Torstar Corp. announced Friday.

The move is effective Aug. 24 and means approximately 73 full-time and 105 part-time staff will be laid off, the announcement said.

Printing work will be transferred to TC Transcontinental Printing, other Torstar-owned facilities and external printers. Torstar has extended its printing arrangements with TC Transcontinental Printing to 2024.

"This was a difficult but necessary decision in the face of declining print revenues," Torstar chief executive John Boynton said in a statement.

"This is in no way a reflection of the print and mailroom quality at the Hamilton facility, but rather a decision based on aging presses and more cost-effective alternatives."

The move is expected to result in savings of approximately $4 million to $6 million annually.

"The Spectator is a strong news brand with a great history and future and we are committed to remaining in Hamilton and fully supporting the community," Boynton said, adding that the cost-savings will allow more focus on creating great editorial content.

"Unfortunately, though, it also means saying goodbye to our Hamilton production facility employees."

If the building is sold, Torstar anticipates that The Hamilton Spectator will continue to operate a head office in a new location in the Hamilton area.

Delivery of The Hamilton Spectator and other publications will continue.

- Paul Berton: Hamilton Spectator's printing plant was up against the future