PORT TOWNSEND PAPER COMPANY IS AN ECONOMIC CORNERSTONE
IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW STUDY CONFIRMS
Mill’s Average Wage Far Exceeds County Median
Company Provides Approximately 40% of all Manufacturing Jobs in the Region
Port Townsend, Washington – A new study released June 6 confirms that Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC) continues to have a substantial positive economic impact on the City of Port Townsend, Jefferson County and beyond. The analysis found that, as one of the largest employers in Jefferson County, PTPC serves as a trusted employer and unique driver of economic prosperity throughout the region.
Since opening for business nearly a century ago, PTPC has been a cornerstone employer through the production of eco-friendly paper products. The company employs nearly 100 Port Townsend residents and more than 300 Jefferson County residents, company-wide, with an average annual salary of $92,600. This figure is significantly higher than Jefferson County’s median household income of $64,800.
PTPC provides approximately 40% of all manufacturing jobs in the region, offering crucial career opportunities amid declining manufacturing employment of over 7% since 2019.
This employment anchor has become increasingly vital given Port Townsend’s working-age population is projected to decline by 1.8% over the next five years while the retirement-age population is expected to grow by 7.3%. The mill’s economic impact extends beyond direct employment through an extensive supply chain network, with over $100 million in annual expenditures circulating throughout Washington State’s economy.
“For 90+ years and 5 generations, employees of the Port Townsend paper mill have provided for their families, sent children to school and celebrated countless holidays, festivals and achievements within the community. As one of the largest employers in Jefferson County, the mill has been an important partner in the growth and success of our area. With continued involvement, we hope to have another 100 years of shared accomplishments,” said Jim Beebe, Standing Committee Chair, USW Local 175.
“The paper and timber industry have provided jobs to the people of the 24th District for generations,” said Reps. Steve Tharinger and Adam Bernbaum. “This study shows we have to work together—as lawmakers, local officials, business owners, and workers—to protect these good jobs that so many communities like Port Townsend depend upon.”
“This study confirms that Port Townsend Paper Company is not only the economic engine of Port Townsend and Jefferson County, but its success and longevity is absolutely vital to our region,” said Rob Kreizenbeck, Chief Executive Officer of Crown Paper Group, which owns and operates PTPC. “In just the last few years, when many paper companies have struggled to survive and been forced to close their doors, we’ve doubled down on our commitment to Port Townsend and Jefferson County. We have invested well over $80 million in private sector dollars since acquiring the company just a few years ago and, as this new Study shows, the direct and indirect impact on families, businesses and the broader community from that investment is enormous.”
The study was undertaken by Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI), a consultancy providing analysis and insights at the intersection of economics, planning, and public policy. Its clients include government and quasi-government organizations, the private sector, economic development agencies, and community-serving organizations across over thirty states. Their work has included analyses for the University of Notre Dame, Carnegie Mellon University, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, just to name a few.
The Port Townsend Paper Company study’s key findings include:
The mill’s annual operations generate:
- $14 million in total economic output within Port Townsend, supporting 160 jobs and more than $12 million in employee wages and benefits. The mill sits just outside the town of Port Townsend; therefore, no direct economic impact is experienced there. However, indirect and induced impacts produce millions of dollars annually in economic gain for the city.
- $319 million in total economic output within Jefferson County, supporting 434 jobs and more than $46 million in employee wages and benefits.
- $452 million in total economic output across the State of Washington, supporting 878 jobs and more than $88 million in employee compensation.
See here for the full economic study conducted by ESI.
About Port Townsend Paper Company