Answer: Hope this helps! The new zinc plant built in Donora in 1915 was described as "already out of date" because it was built using older technology and machinery that was becoming obsolete. At the time, there were newer, more advanced methods of processing zinc that were being developed and implemented in other parts of the world. The Donora plant was not equipped with these modern techniques, making it less efficient and more costly to operate compared to newer facilities.
Additionally, the Donora plant was located in a remote area that made it difficult to transport materials and finished products, increasing transportation costs and further reducing its competitiveness in the market. As a result, the Donora plant struggled to remain profitable and competitive, ultimately contributing to its decline and closure in the mid-20th century.