Check-Printer Deluxe to Close Call Center

Deluxe(DLX Quote), a check printer, announced Thursday that it will close its Syracuse, N.Y., customer service call center to streamline operations and reduce costs.

The facility, which employs 260 people, is expected to close first quarter 2007. The full benefit of the cost savings resulting from this streamlining of the company's call centers is expected to be realized beginning in the second quarter of 2007.

"This was not an easy decision given that this facility has been one of our industry leading call centers," the company said. "However, we need to better align our call center operations and cost structure to call volumes and client requirements."

The company's shares were trading at $17.15, down 28 cents, or 1.6% Thursday.