Wrapports explores printer alternatives to Tribune

Wrapports LLC, which publishes the Chicago Sun-Times and sister suburban weeklies and dailies, has talked to Chicago-area printers about giving them some work it currently contracts out to Tribune Company, the printing companies said.

Chicago-based Wrapports managers broached the issue with Paddock Publications and Blue Island Newspaper Printing in the past several months, according to top executives at Paddock and Blue Island. The publisher is exploring backup plans should it need an alternative to its existing printing contract with Tribune, which owns rival newspaper Chicago Tribune. Paddock CEO Doug Ray said his production vice president talked with Wrapports as recently as January, and Blue Island CEO Gary Rice Sr. said his company, based in south suburban Harvey, had discussions about additional work “a couple months ago.” The talks were preliminary and didn't progress to more serious negotiations, the two CEOs said