| Since the 19th century paper mills and paper manufacturing have been a strong component of the Massachusetts economy. However, over the course of the 20th century the numbers of factories and jobs declined. According to the U.S. Census, in 1997, 19,292 workers made paper and paper-related products in the state. By comparison, in 2002 there were only 15,000 workers, a loss of over 20% of the industry's jobs, and 206 firms in the Bay State. This thesis examines the importance of the paper industry to Massachusetts' economy as well as the historical importance of Massachusetts to the paper industry. By reviewing industry publications and conducting interviews with industry leaders from around the state, this study attempts to isolate and understand the different factors that are contributing to the decline of the state's paper manufacturers. |
