Ohio Lawmakers Rally to Save Historic Chillicothe Paper Mill
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ohio lawmakers have secured a temporary reprieve for the historic Pixelle Chillicothe paper mill, but the fight to save this centuries-old institution is far from over. Known locally as “Paper City,” the mill has been a cornerstone of the community since its founding in 1812, producing book pages and specialty papers through wars, economic crises, and technological revolutions. Now, its future hangs in the balance after its owner, private equity firm H.I.G. Capital, announced plans to shut it down, putting 800 jobs at risk.
The mill’s proposed closure sparked immediate backlash from Ohio officials, including Senator Bernie Moreno, who blasted H.I.G. Capital in a sharply worded letter dated April 17. Moreno accused the firm of prioritizing profits over people, writing that “somehow your collective greed and/or inept business choices managed to close the doors to a paper mill that survived the Great Depression, Pearl Harbor, September 11, the digital age, and a global pandemic.”
At a press conference the following day, Moreno was joined by Senator Jon Husted, Governor Mike DeWine, Attorney General Dave Yost, and other state leaders to voice their opposition to the shutdown. Husted criticized private equity firms for their role in dismantling businesses across the state and nation. “They buy companies, chop them up, make profits off the pieces, and leave communities and workers with nothing,” he said.
The outcry appears to have had an impact. Shortly after Moreno’s letter, Pixelle announced it would delay the mill’s closure until the end of 2024. In a statement, the company struck an optimistic tone, pledging to work toward a positive outcome for employees and customers. “This is a moment of optimism,” the statement read. “Our commitment now is to our employees, our customers, and to doing the hard work that comes with turning this opportunity into a positive outcome.”
For Chillicothe, a town of approximately 22,000 residents, the mill’s closure would be devastating. Representative Dave Taylor, whose district includes the city, emphasized the economic toll of losing 800 jobs. “It’s a decimating thing,” he said. Taylor and other lawmakers are now exploring options to keep the mill operational, including finding a new buyer who would invest in its long-term future.
The Chillicothe mill’s storied history adds urgency to the effort. It has weathered countless challenges over its two centuries of operation, becoming a symbol of resilience and a lifeline for generations of workers. Moreno and his colleagues are also pushing for broader reforms to curb what they describe as predatory practices by private equity firms.
As negotiations continue, the focus remains on saving jobs and preserving a piece of Ohio’s industrial heritage. The temporary pause in closure plans offers a glimmer of hope, but the clock is ticking. Lawmakers, workers, and the community are determined to ensure that “Paper City” endures for generations to come.
— Reported by Nexio News
