Chillicothe Faces Uncertain Future after Historic Paper Mill Closure

For some, the closure feels abrupt and unfair.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): As cars rumble past the “Welcome to Chillicothe” sign, a sense of unease hangs over the city.

Chillicothe, Ohio, stands at a crossroads after the recent closure of its iconic paper mill, a loss that resonates deeply throughout the community.

 “It’s a big hurt,” said Carol Kinney who worked at the plant for 32 years and retired in 2012.

Concerns about Chillicothe’s future are at an all-time high, with residents voicing worries about what will happen to the local economy.

“I think it will go downhill. That’s the biggest income generator that I know of, “ said Stephanie Minkos who lives on the same street as the plant.

City leaders have described the closure as “a kick in the gut,” noting that many feel as though they’re “losing a part of their heart,” said Mike Throne, president and CEO of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce.

For nearly two centuries, the Chillicothe paper plant was the beating heart of the city — employing more than 800 people, helping families thrive and supporting countless local businesses.

For some, the closure feels abrupt and unfair.

“You blame the parent company, you can blame the management, you can blame whoever, but ultimately it’s all coming to a head now. We have to address the elephant in the room: what do we do next?” Throne said.

The plant’s announcement in April that it would be relocating operations to another part of the country left Chillicothe with a sprawling, vacant 400-acre facility and no immediate buyer.

Ross Bushnell, president and CEO of Pixelle Specialty Solutions, called the decision “extremely difficult.”

Operations at the mill, located at 232 E. 8th St., will wind down in phases, according to the company. The company cited an effort to “align its operational footprint with long-term business objectives” as part of its reason for closure.

“Pixelle Specialty Solutions extends our deepest gratitude to the Chillicothe community. For decades, this community has been home to a dedicated workforce and a supportive network of families, businesses, and leaders,” Bushnell said in a statement in April. “The decision to close the Chillicothe mill was not made lightly. While we must transition away from operations in Chillicothe, we recognize and honor the generations of talent, innovation, and commitment that made this mill a vital part of the region's industrial legacy.”

Bushnell said they will ensure a responsible closure, supporting employees and their families as they move forward.

Even as uncertainty looms, some maintain hope for what lies ahead.

“We have a great opportunity in front of us as well. We can retool and repurpose that site into something great,” Throne said.

Paper mills across the nation are struggling, with closures driven by high energy costs, declining demand and rising expenses. What will become of Chillicothe’s plant remains unclear.

However, residents refuse to let this setback define their city.

“Don’t count us out. We will make it,” Throne said.

 Courtesy: www.10tv.com

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