CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Pixelle Specialty Solutions has announced that its Chillicothe paper mill will cease operations on August 10, 2025, marking the end of over a century of production at the historic facility. The company updated its Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, confirming the revised closure date after efforts to extend operations fell short.
The decision follows challenges with increasing staffing shortages and declining order volumes, which have rendered continued operation unfeasible despite previous extensions. Pixelle had hoped that collaboration with state and local leaders would sustain the mill through the year, but those efforts have proven unsuccessful. “This was not an easy decision,” the company stated, acknowledging the impact on employees and their families.
Over 800 people will be displaced in this closure
Governor Mike DeWine expressed his disappointment, noting, “The paper mill in Chillicothe has been in operation for more than 100 years, providing good jobs for the community for generations.” Pixelle is offering support to affected workers through career transition services, job placement assistance, and other resources during this transition period. While unemployment benefits cannot be filed until positions are officially terminated, workers are urged to access free job search and retraining services immediately via OhioMeansJobs.com or their local OhioMeansJobs Center.
In a parallel effort, JobsOhio and its regional partner, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), are evaluating the 400-acre Chillicothe site for potential redevelopment. The teams will also assist Pixelle’s suppliers and business partners in identifying new markets and sales opportunities across the state, aiming to mitigate the economic ripple effects of the closure.
Pixelle expressed gratitude to the Chillicothe team for their dedication over the years, as the community braces for the loss of a longstanding industrial cornerstone. Further updates on the closure and redevelopment plans are expected as the date approaches.
