Yes, paper industry has reached the bottom
after so many small milled closed out and companied consolidated with each other, the survivors are very strong with much improved efficiency and big size (multi-international companies), typically. Please Check the earning book of paper companies, they are doing very good last couple of years and the growth are rapidly.
Plus, as a process engineer in pulp & paper industry is a great opportunity to learn the complex process and conduct mass-energy balance around, saving opportunities etc will have huge career experience for this guy who just got the job offer.