Graphic Arts Media

C.J. Graphics sells premises and invests $25 million in re-location to expanded production facilities

Jay Mandarino, President & CEO of The C.J. Group of Companies, with three production facilities in Etobicoke, Ontario and several related firms, has completed the sale of the three existing buildings totalling about 125,000 square feet on 4.5 acres. At the same time, the company has purchased the Veritiv facility (formerly Unisource) located at 560 Hensall Circle near Cawthra Road and Dundas Streets in Mississauga, Ontario (just west of the Etobicoke border). The new location will be only 5-8 minutes to the west of its current operations. The expanded location, on eight acres and two floors, will occupy about 230,000 square feet. Mandarino said another 30,000 square feet will be added, as well as the ability to expand by adding another 50,000 square feet if and when required. This building has 27-foot ceilings, over 300 parking spots and will be the largest independently-owned facility for printing and communications in Canada.

Jay Mandarino.
Jay Mandarino.

“We will now be able to move all our operations into one facility,” said Mandarino. “The move will also allow us to have additional space for future growth for acquisitions and mergers. We’re also excited to announce that we’ll be adding full mailing services, a new litho press, a new large-format press with full automation, and a new digital press. As well, there will be additional expansion to our bindery, Digital Division, Large-Format Division and our new Innovation Division. Our Not-For-Profit indoor Skateboard & Scooter Park will also be expanding, making it one of the largest in the world. We will also have the top eight board sports magazines in Canada published through SBC Media, which we recently acquired, and will move into our new location as well.”
Mandarino said that he will take actual possession at the end of May, but will be starting renovations at the end of February. He expects to be completely moved in by October 1, 2017, and added that there will be no downtime or interruption to business as he will install the new equipment first, before moving his existing operations. Mandarino added: “This is one of the most significant expansions for our industry in recent memory. We were extremely fortunate to have sold all of our buildings at the highest values ever, and move to Mississauga to reduce our costs. With purchase of the new building, renovations and new equipment, we will be investing in excess of $25 million. I want to personally thank all of our wonderful clients, suppliers, partners, staff and my amazing wife, who have supported me and our organizations over the past 35-plus years. Without you, this would not be possible. I look forward to this new challenge and the opportunities it will bring.”