CHILLICOTHE, ohio – The clock is ticking for Pixelle, a paper mill scheduled to cease all operations in Chillicothe by Aug. 10, leaving many second- and third-generation employees in limbo.
Paper Mill Closure Sparks Political Wrangling
Ohio mill town faces economic uncertainty.
- Pixelle is scheduled to end Chillicothe operations by Aug. 10.
- Efforts to find a new employer for the mill have stalled.
- The closure has become a point of political contention.
What’s happening in Chillicothe, Ohio? The scheduled closure of the Pixelle paper mill by Aug. 10 is creating economic uncertainty as efforts to find a new employer have hit a snag, impacting many workers and sparking political debate.
Shutdown Stalls
The effort to save the mill, or at least ensure a new employer can take over quickly, recently encountered a setback.H.I.G. and Pixelle reversed course on an agreement to pause the shutdown and keep the factory operational through the end of the year. This would have provided valuable time to identify a new tenant or alternative use for the property.
This reversal dashes hopes raised at an April rally led by bernie Moreno.
Political Reactions
Jai Chabria, a Republican strategist in ohio, noted Moreno’s prominent role: “Bernie has been the face of this. Whether he’s successful or not is not the measure of where we are. If you look back at the Republican Party of 20 years ago, this is certainly not where a wealthy republican senator would be expected to lead. Bernie has really embraced where the party has gone.”
Katie Seewer, a spokesperson for the Ohio Democratic party, criticized Republicans for “the latest in a long streak of bad economic news” in the state. She pointed out that Moreno had raised expectations that the mill wouldn’t close this year.
Seewer added, “Republicans own these failures and many others that have created an economy that isn’t working for Ohio.”
Scott Wiesman, a 30-year mill employee, questions Moreno’s stance: “Bernie’s railing against private equity. But if you Google it, he’s invested in private equity. So how evil is it, Bernie?”
Local Viewpoint
Luke Feeney, Chillicothe’s Democratic mayor, offers a more charitable view of Moreno’s involvement.
“My hope and belief is that his efforts have been genuine and sincere,” Feeney said. “All of those guys that got up there and on that stage said, ‘We will sue them if they do this to you’ – I hope they stick to it, and until they don’t, I’m good with it.”
Though, Feeney added a note of caution: “If it turns out that it was just a dog-and-pony show, then I’ll be pretty frustrated, as we’re left with the aftermath here.”
Chillicothe’s Identity and Economy
Chillicothe, located about an hour south of Columbus, was Ohio’s first state capital. Today, the city has roughly 22,000 residents and benefits from tourism related to the Hopewell earthworks and mounds. Feeney highlights the redeveloped downtown as a success story for the small town.
Paper City Legacy
Paint Street, near the Pixelle mill, features breweries, a boba house, and other businesses in renovated storefronts. The cafe “Paper City Coffee” reflects the importance of the papermaking industry to the town. The mill is the county’s third-largest employer, following the regional hospital system and a truck plant.
Michael Throne,head of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce,describes the mill as integral to the area: “The mill is as much a part of the scenery as the hills and everything else around here.”
Throne recalls seeing the smokestack when he first drove into town for a job interview: “I’d seen smokestacks before, but nothing that towered over the landscape of the city.”
A History of Papermaking
Chillicothe’s history in papermaking dates back to 1812. For over a century,the city was a central hub for Mead,which became known for school and office supplies.
Jeff Allen, president of the United Steelworkers Local 731, which represents Pixelle workers, stated, “The paper mill really supported southeast Ohio. They used to tell us that for every job in the mill, there were three outside the mill.”
Changes Over Time
over time, Mead’s name faded as market forces and corporate changes affected the mill. In 2022, H.I.G. purchased the mill, which had been rebranded as Pixelle four years earlier.
Tim Jenkins, a mill employee for 38 years, remembers a time when the mill was a core part of the community: “We were Mead kids. Our kids were Mead kids. With the strike in ’75, you walked through the lunch line, you could get a free lunch when you said, ‘I’m a Mead kid.'”
“Little things like that you never forget.”
EQuestions MorenoS stance: “Bernie’s railing against private equity. But if you google it, he’s invested in private equity. So how evil is it, Bernie?”
Local Viewpoint
Luke Feeney, Chillicothe’s Democratic mayor, offers a more charitable view of Moreno’s involvement.
“My hope and belief is that his efforts have been genuine and sincere,” Feeney said. “all of those guys that got up ther and on that stage said, ‘We will sue them if they do this to you’ – I hope they stick to it, and until they don’t, I’m good with it.”
Though, Feeney added a note of caution: “If it turns out that it was just a dog-and-pony show, then I’ll be pretty frustrated, as we’re left with the aftermath here.”
Chillicothe’s Identity and Economy
Chillicothe, located about an hour south of Columbus, was Ohio’s first state capital.Today, the city has roughly 22,000 residents and benefits from tourism related to the Hopewell earthworks and mounds. Feeney highlights the redeveloped downtown as a success story for the small town.
Paper City Legacy
Paint Street, near the Pixelle mill, features breweries, a boba house, and other businesses in renovated storefronts. The cafe “Paper City Coffee” reflects the importance of the papermaking industry to the town. The mill is the county’s third-largest employer, following the regional hospital system and a truck plant.
Michael Throne,head of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce,describes the mill as integral to the area: “The mill is as much a part of the scenery as the hills and everything else around here.”
Throne recalls seeing the smokestack when he first drove into town for a job interview: “I’d seen smokestacks before, but nothing that towered over the landscape of the city.”
A History of Papermaking
Chillicothe’s history in papermaking dates back to 1812. For over a century,the city was a central hub for Mead,which became known for school and office supplies.
Jeff allen, president of the United Steelworkers Local 731, which represents Pixelle workers, stated, “The paper mill really supported southeast Ohio. They used to tell us that for every job in the mill, there were three outside the mill.”
Changes Over Time
over time, mead’s name faded as market forces and corporate changes affected the mill. In 2022, H.I.G. purchased the mill, which had been rebranded as Pixelle four years earlier.
Tim Jenkins, a mill employee for 38 years, remembers a time when the mill was a core part of the community: “We were Mead kids. Our kids were Mead kids. With the strike in ’75, you walked thru the lunch line, you could get a free lunch when you said, ‘I’m a Mead kid.'”
“Little things like that you never forget.”
Consequences for the Community
The closure of the Pixelle paper mill will have far-reaching effects, impacting the economy and the social fabric of Chillicothe. many residents are anxious about the impending job losses and the ripple effects throughout the community.
The mill’s closure is poised to create a vacuum in the local economy, especially for the workers.Moreover, ripple effects will impact local businesses, which depend on the mill and its employees.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Job Losses: Hundreds of workers will be unemployed, leading to financial strain and potentially increased reliance on social services. These job losses will also affect supporting businesses across the county.
- Economic Impact: The loss of a major employer could decrease local spending,potentially leading to declining revenues for businesses in Chillicothe. This could trigger a cycle where businesses cut jobs or even close entirely.
- Social Impact: The closure could negatively affect community morale, causing feelings of loss and uncertainty. Generational employees especially may struggle as the landscape of their lives shift dramatically.
The closure of the Pixelle mill poses significant challenges for Chillicothe. The sudden workforce displacement can lead to lasting economic and social problems.
Local leaders and community members will need to come together to address the situation and find solutions.
What happens Next?
As the closure looms,the fate of Chillicothe,Ohio and its residents hangs in the balance. Efforts must be concentrated on mitigating the economic and social impacts. Potential options include:
- Job Placement and Retraining Programs: Assisting displaced workers with finding new employment will be essential.This includes retraining to match in-demand careers.
- Economic Development: Attracting new businesses and industries to Chillicothe can help offset the job losses and diversify the local economy.Local leaders have to act fast.
- Community Support: Providing support services, such as mental health counseling and financial assistance, can help residents cope with the challenges of job loss and economic downturn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions:
What specific factors led to the closure of the Pixelle mill?
The closure is primarily attributed to market conditions and corporate decisions rather than a single cause. Private equity firm H.I.G. purchased the mill, and ultimately, decided to cease operations. Changing market dynamics, operational costs, and strategic financial considerations played major roles.
How does the closure of the Pixelle mill compare to other mill closures in the United States?
The situation mirrors trends seen across the country. A recent Bureau of Labour Statistics report shows that the papermaking sector has been contracting for decades due to factors like automation, changing consumer behavior, and global competition.
What role can the local and state governments play in helping Chillicothe recover?
Local and state governments have many options available. They can provide financial assistance,streamline permitting processes to attract new businesses,offer tax incentives,invest in workforce development programs,and provide grants for community support services.
What is the significance of papermaking to Chillicothe, and what will the closing signal?
Papermaking is an integral part of Chillicothe’s history. The mill has been a ample source of employment, economic activity, and community identity for a lot of the town’s residents. The closure represents more than the loss of jobs; it signals the end of an era.
Is there any hope that the mill could be reopened or preserved in some capacity?
Although the shutdown by August 10th is confirmed, there is still some chance, but a tall order. Potential options include finding a new company or buyer. But so far, despite efforts, no concrete plans are in place yet.
Table of Contents
- Paper Mill Closure Sparks Political Wrangling
- Chillicothe’s Identity and Economy
- Chillicothe’s Identity and Economy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What specific factors led to the closure of the Pixelle mill?
- How does the closure of the Pixelle mill compare to other mill closures in the United States?
- What role can the local and state governments play in helping Chillicothe recover?
- What is the significance of papermaking to Chillicothe, and what will the closing signal?
- Is there any hope that the mill could be reopened or preserved in some capacity?
