CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Union representatives at the Pixelle Paper Mill are preparing to meet Monday with staff from U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno’s office as the company moves forward with plans to shut down operations sooner than expected — a decision that could leave hundreds of Ross County workers without jobs in the coming months.
The meeting comes after union officials announced via social media over the weekend that parts of the mill are now scheduled to close as early as August. This marks a significant acceleration from the initial year-end timeline shared in April, following discussions between company executives and state leaders who had hoped to delay the closure.
Pixelle, one of the largest employers in the region, is expected to displace approximately 800 workers with the shutdown. The sudden change in schedule has increased concerns among employees, local officials, and community leaders who are scrambling to provide support and job placement assistance.
“Every day matters now,” one union representative wrote in a social media post. “We are doing everything we can to advocate for our members and make sure no one is left behind.”
Several job transition initiatives are already underway, including state-supported employment programs, job fairs, and outreach to neighboring industries in need of skilled labor.
The paper mill has long been a cornerstone of Chillicothe’s economy, with generations of families relying on its steady employment. The closure marks the end of an era for Ross County’s industrial identity and raises pressing questions about the future of the region’s workforce.
More details are expected following Monday’s meeting with Senator Moreno’s staff, as union leaders continue to push for resources, retraining support, and possible alternatives to permanent job loss.
