Housatonic Paper Mill (Rising Paper) to Close by June 07

Another one bites the dust could be an appropriate epithet for the tombstone of this latest closing of a fine paper mill. The Rising paper mill located in Housatonic Massachusetts is being closed as a result of it not being a profitable paper mill. The new owners, Neenah Paper, have made a solid business based decision to close the Housatonic paper mill.

A lot of emotions surround the closing of the Housatonic mill. First, for me, this paper mill is the most beautiful paper mill that I have every visited. It's brick exterior and white wood trim depict an architectural style used in the construction of factories back in the 1870's when the mill was built. The building provides a visually pleasing landscape to all who pass by the curving road winding alongside the Housatonic River. The mill structure itself is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Perhaps more meaningful is the loss of approximately 140 good paying jobs in the Berkshires where good factory jobs are not plentiful.

During a visit to a framing shop in Madison, WI on St. Patrick's day I realized another concern about the closing of the Houstatonic paper mill which is the unknown future Rising Museum Board. Yikes, this hits home with me again. Practically every framed piece in my home and in our company offices are framed with Rising Museum Board.

I'm sorry to see the loss of jobs, the loss of craftsmanship and the possible loss of great paper products. The truth is that Neenah Paper is making a sound business decision that will serve to strengthen the company and protect more jobs and more great papers. Time moves on.