On Aug. 25, 1978, Rockwell International sent a letter to employees at its Hopedale plant, notifying its 600 workers of the company’s plan to consolidate its manufacturing operations elsewhere.
Rockwell, which purchased control of Draper Corp. in 1967, cited several reasons for this closure, including what it called the energy crunch of 1973-74, increased foreign competition, and the expenses of maintaining the plant, which was over 60 years old at the time.
“By this letter, we wish to assure you that the company’s tentative decision to consolidate operations was reached only after most careful study and consideration of every aspect of Rockwell-Draper’s ability to continue a viable business,” the letter, signed by General Plant Manager Alex Archer, said.