The reasons that the Manufacturing Belt declined?

The Manufacturing Belt declined because some of its machinery and processing techniques became obsolete; it had higher labor costs than other parts of the country or overseas; and consumer tastes changed, making its products less desirable. It also declined because some companies wanted to locate in more pleasant climates in the warmer parts of the country. The new, growing service activities could operate successfully in these warmer areas, since many of them do not depend on being near raw materials.