Some of those sprawling brick buildings where thousands of blue-collar Berkshire County residents once worked long hours manufacturing all sorts of items are now places where tourists can enjoy internationally renowned art exhibits, sip craft beer, and dine in high-end restaurants.
The shift in the use of these former factories mirrors the region’s transition from an economy that relied mostly on manufacturing to one that is helped greatly by the service and hospitality industries.
Jobs in travel and tourism related occupations today make up 11.5 percent of the local economy, making it the county’s third highest job sector behind healthcare (19 percent) and retail (14.8 percent), according to the Berkshire County Regional Employment Board. Read more about these former factories.>>
