By Tom Jordan
In an effort to unify production for the many directories Yellow Book has acquired in recent years, jobs in order processing, listings management, directory manufacturing and distribution will be relocated to the company's facility in King of Prussia, Pa., according to spokesman Darren Brandt.
"We are a very fast-growing company," Mr Brandt said. "What we're trying to accomplish is to consolidate several operations under one roof. I think it will make us more efficient to our clients and allow us to be smarter than when we were arranged in disparate pieces."
Mr. Brandt said employees whose jobs are being eliminated may relocate to Pennsylvania or seek other positions within the company elsewhere. He believes that Yellow Book has acted "pretty responsibly" throughout the relocating process. "We've given our employees almost nine months notice," he said. "And there are outplacement services to help them find new jobs if they so choose."
Mr. Brandt denied that the move was strictly a cost-cutting measure. He also said that the sales administration department would not be moved, but would report to the King of Prussia office.
Yellow Book was founded in 1930 and emerged in sprouting Long Island communities. The company has grown substantially, especially since 1997, through the acquisitions of such directories as H.D. Donnelly and Yellow Pages One. It publishes more than 300 directories in 15 states, with a circulation of about 27 million.
In February, Yellow Book purchased the assets of Sprint Publishing and Advertising, a Midwest subsidiary of Sprint Communications, for $45 million. Through the acquisition, Yellow Book became responsible for the 55 directories distributed to 3.1 million residents of the Chicago and Milwaukee areas, which was expected to increase production from the Rockville Centre headquarters.
"All of the production and distribution of these directories will be coordinated through the New York offices," representative Rebecca Foster said at the time.
