These industrial firms , which employed more than 1,000 workers ( including many Italians ) , flourished thanks to the production of explosive materials during World War I. After the war , the industry declined due to the changes of production methods and high railway tariffs .
These industrial firms , which employed more than 1,000 workers ( including many Italians ) , flourished thanks to the production of explosive materials during the first World War . 
 At the war 's end , the industry declined due to the changes of production methods and high railway tariffs .