Pixelle Announces Closure of Chillicothe Paper Mill
Article Presented By Accurate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing…
Chillicothe, OH, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pixelle Specialty Solutions LLC (“Pixelle”) has announced the planned closure of its Chillicothe, Ohio, mill as part of an effort to align its operational footprint with long-term business objectives. The Chillicothe mill currently employs approximately 800 people.
“This was an extremely difficult decision. We value our Chillicothe team and the contributions they have made to Pixelle,” said Ross Bushnell, Pixelle’s president and CEO. “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. We are committed to providing the resources and assistance they need while also ensuring continuity for our customers until the closure is complete.”
The Chillicothe mill closure will allow Pixelle to strengthen its remaining operations in Spring Grove and Fremont and maintain its competitive position in the specialty paper market. The company is taking steps to provide a smooth transition for employees, including job placement assistance and access to workforce resources. Pixelle will engage with represented employees’ union leadership on the impact this will have on them under their collective bargaining agreement.
Pixelle will also work closely with its customers and suppliers to navigate this transition as efficiently as possible. Where possible, as with the carbonless sheet and Defensa paper franchises, production will be strategically relocated to Pixelle’s Spring Grove facility as the company looks to continue to deliver to its high standards for quality specialty paper solutions for its customers.
“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,” said Bushnell. “Our focus remains on delivering high-quality specialty paper products while ensuring a responsible transition for our workforce and operations in Chillicothe.”
Headquartered in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, Pixelle Specialty Solutions LLC is a leading manufacturer of specialty papers, with operations in North America.
National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the closure of the old Mead paper mill, now the Pixelle paper mill, in his hometown of Chillicothe, Ohio.
“As a child of Chillicothe and Ross County, I share in the deep sorrow that so many in southern Ohio are feeling at the devastating loss of Mead. The Mead paper mill is an institution that has been part of the fabric of the community for generations. For so many families through the years, the mill provided a pathway to America’s middle class and careers that led to improved standards of living and quality of life. My family was among them.”
“My grandfather worked at the Mead plant for nearly four decades. I can still vividly remember waiting for him to come home from the overnight shift, and I was brimming with excitement when he walked through the door. He would immediately rest up for the next shift, as my grandmother would often explain how blessed we were for the opportunities that Mead provided.“
“I am so grateful for the men and women who powered my hometown for generations with their determination and drive as Mead supplied the world with specialized paper products. It is with great sadness that we witness the end of this historic chapter in Chillicothe. However, I have no doubt that even as our community grieves, the great people of Chillicothe, Ross County and the surrounding area will rise to the challenge and bring new opportunities for the next generation.”
Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney released this statement Tuesday afternoon, concerning the plant closing. “Today’s announcement that Pixelle is shutting down is heartbreaking. Eight hundred of our neighbors, friends, and family members are losing their jobs. My focus and heart are with them and their families right now.“
“We are working with state officials, regional economic partners, and workforce development to respond immediately. Moving forward we will work together as a city, state and region to find opportunity coming out of this.”
“The workers who clocked into the mill day after day are the backbone of this city and are a part of our heritage and history. The City will continue to make job growth and opportunity a top priority and we will do everything we can to support displaced workers and attract new opportunities that build on the strength and skill of our local workforce.”
The Ross County Board of Commissioners released the following statement regarding the announcement of the closing of Chillicothe Papermill operations:
“The Ross County Board of Commissioners are saddened to learn this morning that Pixelle Specialty Solutions has announced the closing of its Chillicothe operations, which will impact nearly 900 local employees. This abrupt announcement represents a significant loss for our community, especially for employees and their families who are directly impacted. Paper manufacturing has existed at this site for over 100 years, and has employed the hardworking people of our community for generations.
The Board of Commissioners are engaged with other local &state leaders to mitigate immediate impacts in the near &long term, and to ensure the continued stability of our local economy. This announcement further emphasises the importance of our role in directing policy that attracts growth, promotes innovation, and ensures opportunities for generations to come.”
“As the community addresses the impact of this announcement, please be assured that Ross County wil remain resilient, and its leadership proactive, in supporting continued business & economic development efforts.”
Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce President Mike Throne issued the following statement about the announced closing:
“Today, our hearts are heavy as we confront the news of the imminent closure of the Pixelle paper mill. 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.
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. The thought of the impact on these employees, our neighbors, and our friends weighs heavily on us. Their years of hard work, loyalty, and the skills they have honed within those walls are deeply valued and will not be forgotten. We extend our deepest gratitude for their unwavering commitment to our community.
Closing a cherished, long-standing institution creates a void that will be felt throughout Chillicothe. We understand that this news may evoke feelings of loss and anxiety, and we want to assure everyone aSected that you are not alone.
The Chamber’s primary concern is the well-being of the employees and their families. We are committed to supporting them during this challenging transition in every possible way. We will collaborate closely with the company, local resources, and state and federal partners to provide comprehensive assistance, including access to support services, exploring retraining opportunities, and actively seeking new pathways for economic stability for those affected.
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. 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.
We encourage our community to come together with understanding and kindness during this challenging time. We will share updates and available resources as quickly as possible and remain committed to supporting those affected by this closure.“
