AREA MAIL PROCESSING (AMP) FEASIBILITY STUDY
Kalamazoo, MI P&DC to Grand Rapids, MI P&DC

Date: November 16, 2009

Area Mail Processing (AMP) is the consolidation of mail processing operations from one or more postal facilities to other facilities to improve operational efficiency and/or service.

An AMP study was initiated to evaluate the transfer of originating mail processing operations from the Kalamazoo, MI Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) to the Grand Rapids, MI P&DC.  The initial results of this study support the business case for consolidation.  This study, currently in review at United States Postal Service (USPS) Headquarters and its Area Office, is subject to change.

A public meeting will be held to share the initial results of the study and allow members of the community to ask questions and provide feedback.  The public’s input will be considered prior to a final decision.  

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 1, at the Fetzer Center located at 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49008 at 7:00 pm.

Below are preliminary highlights from the feasibility study:

1.	Business Case:

Proposed annual savings in the draft AMP feasibility study are approximately $2,587,151.

2.	Postal Employees:

Due to the consolidation, a net decrease of approximately 40 positions is projected.  All reassignments will be made in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.

3.	Local Customer Considerations:

Services that are currently available to Kalamazoo customers will continue to be available.

•	Collection box pick-up times will not change as a result of the AMP.
•	Retail services will remain the same.
•	Business mail acceptance will remain the same.
•	A local postmark will be available for stamped First-Class Mail.
•	Delivery of mail to residences and businesses will not change as a result of the AMP.

4.	Commercial Mailers:

•	Mailers who presort mail will continue to receive applicable postage discounts.
•	Mailers who drop ship mailings will continue to deposit them at the Kalamazoo facility.

Written comments may be sent to:

CONSUMER AFFAIRS MANAGER
GREATER MICHIGAN DISTRICT
PO BOX 999631 
GRAND RAPIDS MI 49599-9631

All comments must be postmarked by December 16, 2009.