Port Townsend Paper Mill Remains a Key Economic Force

The Port Townsend Paper Mill continues to stand as one of Jefferson County’s most important economic anchors, according to a 2025 economic impact study commissioned by the Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC). The analysis confirms that the mill remains a major driver of regional prosperity, supporting hundreds of high‑wage jobs and generating substantial economic activity throughout the Olympic Peninsula.

The mill employs about 310 workers, including 96 Port Townsend residents, and provides an average annual salary of $92,600, among the highest wages in the county. It accounts for approximately 40 percent of all manufacturing jobs in Jefferson County, making it a critical source of stable, year‑round employment in a region where many industries are seasonal.

The study highlights the mill’s role as a base‑industry employer, meaning it brings outside dollars into the region through the sale of paper, pulp, and containerboard products. This inflow of revenue creates a significant multiplier effect. According to the report, the mill’s operations support additional jobs across transportation, equipment maintenance,contracting, and professional services, and help sustain local businesses that rely on employee spending.

PTPC’s economic footprint extends well beyond its payroll. The study notes that the company’s annual operations generate hundreds of millions of dollars in regional economic activity, with estimated yearly revenues ranging from $100 million to $500 million, depending on market conditions. These operations contribute meaningfully to local and county tax bases, supporting public services, schools, and infrastructure.

The report also emphasizes the mill’s long‑standing role in the community. Operating for nearly a century, PTPC has provided generations of family‑wage jobs and remains one of the few large industrial employers on the Olympic Peninsula. Its presence continues to stabilize the local economy, particularly during periods of tourism downturn or broader economic uncertainty.

Please read the full Economic Impact Study at www.ptpc.com.