Unexpected Reprieve for Chillicothe Mill
In a surprising turn of events, the planned closure of the Pixelle Specialty Solutions paper mill in Chillicothe, Ohio, has been paused. The mill, a historic fixture in the community for over two centuries and often referred to locally as 'the Mead,' was initially set to shut down this summer, impacting around 800 employees. The announcement of the closure on April 15 by Pixelle and its parent company, H.I.G. Capital, sent shockwaves through the town of 21,895 residents in the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio.
However, on April 18, U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno announced that the closure has been delayed until the end of 2025. This decision came after Moreno's direct intervention with H.I.G. Capital. 'I just got off the phone with HIG Capital and am thrilled to announce they have agreed to PAUSE the closure of the Chillicothe paper mill until the end of the year,' Moreno shared in a public statement. This pause offers a glimmer of hope for the workers and families who have relied on the mill for generations.
Community Response and Economic Impact
The potential closure of the mill has been a heavy blow to Chillicothe, where the facility has long been a cornerstone of the local economy. Estimates suggest that the shutdown could cost the regional economy between $230 and $245 million annually. For many families, like that of Judy Sowers, who has seen generations work at the mill, the news was devastating. The mill's red-and-white striped tower stands as a symbol of both pride and uncertainty for the community.
Local officials and the Ross County Commissioners have been proactive in addressing the crisis, hosting multiple 'paper mill response team' meetings since the initial announcement. These gatherings have focused on developing a coordinated response and strategic action plan to save the mill or mitigate the impact on workers. Discussions have included rumors of potential new owners or public-private partnerships that could provide long-term solutions for the facility and its workforce.
Looking Ahead: Uncertainty and Hope
While the pause in closure provides temporary relief, the future of the Chillicothe paper mill remains uncertain. Pixelle Specialty Solutions stated that the decision to close was made to 'better align our resources' amid challenges such as retaliatory tariffs potentially increasing operating costs by 10-15%. The company is now focusing on critical specialty markets, which led to the initial decision to shutter the mill.
The delay until the end of 2025 offers time for stakeholders to explore options, including finding a new owner or establishing partnerships to sustain operations. Senator Moreno has expressed optimism about working with H.I.G. Capital to ensure the well-being of Ohio workers. For now, the community holds onto hope for a miracle to preserve this historic industry and the livelihoods it supports in Chillicothe.