better sentence?

[kay]

Which sentence sounds better? or is there a better way of saying it?

1)While outsourcing the production of catalogs, which
are distributed to stores across the country, cost reduction was the key
issue.

2)Cost reduction had been the key issue while outsourcing the production
of catalogs, which are distributed to stores across the country.

Thank you in advance.

[Pete]

Which sentence sounds better? or is there a better way of saying it?

1)While outsourcing the production of catalogs, which
are distributed to stores across the country, cost reduction was the key
issue.

2)Cost reduction had been the key issue while outsourcing the production
of catalogs, which are distributed to stores across the country.

Thank you in advance.
The use of "while" doesn't sound right here. I'd say something like:
- Cost reduction was the primary reason for outsourcing the production of catalogs, which are distributed to stores across the country.