CHAPTER III

Reasons Given by Manufacturers for the Location
OF their Factories

New York is not only the chief manufacturing city in
the country but as such it is continually growing, while the
bulk of its manufacturing enterprises continues to be con¬
centrated on Manhattan Island. Obviously this concen¬
tration in the most congested spot in the country means
the payment of exorbitant rents, as well as high insurance
and tax charges, and makes for unwholesome conditions
of labor. These questions, therefore, present themselves:
What causes industries to locate in Manhattan? What
forces keep those already established from moving out?
Why is there so strong an industrial trend toward the city ?
Why do industrial concerns continue to erect large buildings
on expensive sites in the heart of the city? The situation
is complicated by the fact that along with this growth and
expansion of industries in Manhattan and the influx of new
enterprises from a distance, industrial companies are mak¬
ing every effort to get away from New York. Indeed,
there is a continuous movement away from the city.

Before attempting definite answers to the questions raised,
it is necessary to analyze more closely some of the industries
which are concentrated in Manhattan and in the other bor¬
oughs. With regard to their effect upon congestion of
population, manufacturing industries may be divided into
two main classes, namely. Primary and Secondary In¬
dustries.

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