When the failed Beebe-Holbrook division of the American Writing Paper Corporation failed, the property was taken over by the Holyoke Water Power Company (HWPCo) in December of 1944. The factory space was made available to new starts or other small businesses, providing an opportunity to grow, expand, hire additional workers and relocate to larger spaces in the city.
Some of the companies that started in the mill complex at 380 Dwight Street and later relocated for expansion included Adams Plastic Company and Acme Chain Company. Others remained in the complex for several decades, including F. Howard Quirk, Inc. and Paul Martin Rubber Company.
This story is about one of the companies that took advantage of the less-than-market-rate rents and available water power, but, unfortunately, did not enjoy similar longevity: the Laminated & Coated Paper Company.
In mid-1950, Laminated & Coated Paper Company rented the 5,000 square-foot space previously occupied by the Cellutin Corporation. Harry Borsher from New York was the owner of the business. The company produced laminated paper, ordinance paper, government packaging material and bags.
In 1956, the company added a process to laminate foil to paper for use in manufacturing ice cream bags. The company also used DuPont’s Mylar, a transparent film primarily used for electrical insulation. Laminated & Coated Paper Company used Mylar to produce liners for multi-walled bags and fiberboard drums.
In 1958, Melrose Corporation, the parent company of Laminated & Coated Products Company, joined the business at 380 Dwight Street. Melrose Corporation moved its entire operation from New York City and would need 20 employees to staff the 7,500-square-foot space. Melrose Corporation produced heat-sealed bags for preserving food, including foil, cellophane, and laminated bags.
In 1963, the company encountered financial problems and ceased operating after 13 years in business.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican; publication dates and pages are shown.
Ancestry.com (paid subscription): Price & Lee Holyoke, Massachusetts, City Directories
