Like several other industries, the paper industry went through massive changes in the post-WWII transformation into the modern age. Some paper mills simply could not meet the new competition from new giant plants and changing market requirements. Where a unit like this one hade made its way fine and made some heavy investments during the 1950s, in just a few years it became obvious that the new reality simply was incompatible with the current production and an update was simply not possible without enormous investments at a time when the previous investments wasn’t materialized.
It somewhat became apparent for the owners that if these investments after all were made, they would have ended up with a small factory far way from export harbors in a market in recession. Despite that the brand new coating line was under construction, the decision to close the plant was taken in 1965, but the operation continued in a steep decline until 1972 when the final closure occurred.
Parts of the plant have been bulldozed as a part of an environmental cleanup program a few years ago, and the place is today just a place of the ultimate decay and gloom. Symbols of the self confidence of the 1950’s can be seen almost everywhere together with the sight of water leaks and frost in an accelerating manner quickly eats up the building as walls and roofs gradually collapse. This ultimate ruin does not seem to have many years left…
.
Where is this mill?
I have an idea for you... Try going back to the mill in the early morning or in the evening to photograph. The bricks and the interior of the building will take on an irridescant type glow in the warm light. You will also get shafts of light beaming through the windows. The shots would look great!
Be sure to take a tripod and turn your camera's noise filter on as there will certainly be some long exposures.
Nice pics!