Chillicothe paper mill being shut down
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Pixelle Specialty Solutions announced Tuesday that it would be shutting down its paper mill in Chillicothe.
The company said the closure is necessary as part of its effort to "align its operation footprint with long-term business objectives."
The company said it will help employees with job placement assistance and other workforce-related resources.
"This was an extremely difficult decision," President and CEO Ross Bushnell said in a statement. "We value our Chillicothe team and the contributions they have made to Pixelle. While this step is necessary for our long-term strategic goals, our priority at the moment is to support our employees with care and transparency throughout this transition."
The company said the mill will be shut down in phases over the coming weeks. NBC4 has reached out to ask how many employees are being impacted.
The carbonless and Defensa paper franchises will be relocated to its facility in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, according to the news release.
"We are confident that this decision, while difficult, allows us to better align our resources and focus on future growth opportunities that pair with our operational goals and competitive solutions," Bushnell said. "Our focus remains on delivering high-quality paper products while ensuring a responsible transition for our workforce and operations in Chillicothe."
Paper mills have been a part of Chillicothe since at least the 19th century.
"For an incredible 215 years, papermaking has been more than just a job; it has been a cornerstone of our Ross County economy and a career in which generations have built their lives and futures," Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mike Throne said in a statement. "This announcement brings profound sadness and significant uncertainty to the dedicated individuals and families who have poured their hearts and souls into the mill for so long."
Throne said the chamber would also assist employees and their families as much as possible.
"While this chapter in Chillicothe's history seems to be ending, the spirit of our community -- our compassion, resilience, and unwavering support for one another -- remains strong," Throne said. "We will honor the legacy of papermaking and the countless contributions of its workforce by confronting this challenge with empathy and a collective determination to build a brighter future together."