Imagine a small town where the hum of a factory has been the heartbeat of the community for over two centuries. That’s Chillicothe, Ohio, a place where the paper mill isn’t just a workplace—it’s a legacy. For generations, families have built their lives around it, sharing stories of long shifts and hard-earned paychecks. But now, the news hits like a punch to the gut: the mill is set to close. What happens when a town’s anchor starts to sink?
A Town Built on Paper
Chillicothe, nestled in the Appalachian foothills, isn’t just any small town. It’s Ohio’s first capital, a place where history runs deep, and the paper mill, known fondly as “the Mead” by locals, has been a cornerstone since 1812. With a population of just under 22,000, this community thrives on its tight-knit bonds and the economic stability provided by major employers like the mill. But when Pixelle Specialty Solutions, backed by private equity giant H.I.G. Capital, announced the mill’s closure in April 2025, it sent shockwaves through the town.
The decision threatens the livelihoods of 830 workers, many of whom have spent decades at the mill. For some, it’s not just a job—it’s a family tradition. I’ve always found it remarkable how a single workplace can weave itself into the fabric of a community, shaping identities and memories. The mill’s closure isn’t just about lost jobs; it’s about losing a piece of Chillicothe’s soul.
The Human Cost of Closure
Picture a family gathered around a kitchen table, swapping stories about their time at the mill. For Judy, a 74-year-old matriarch, the mill is personal. Her grandparents worked there, her father did too, and so did her brother, John, for 42 years. “If you didn’t work there, you knew someone who did,” Judy says, her voice heavy with nostalgia.
It took me five years to get a job at the mill after high school. It was the job everyone wanted if you stayed in Chillicothe.
– John, retired mill worker
John’s story isn’t unique. The mill has been a reliable employer, offering stable wages in a region where good jobs can be hard to come by. For many, it meant sacrificing family time for shift work but securing a future for their kids. The closure threatens to unravel that security, leaving workers like John wondering what’s next. How do you rebuild when the place that defined your career—and your town—disappears?
A Downtown That Thrives—For Now
Chillicothe’s downtown is a gem, the kind of place that feels like it stepped out of a postcard. Historic buildings house cozy coffee shops, antique stores, and taverns, all buzzing with locals and visitors alike. Trent, who runs a coffee shop with his wife, sees the mill workers among his regular customers. “This downtown has a pulse most small towns in southern Ohio can only dream of,” he says. But he’s worried. Without the mill, will that pulse weaken?
Local businesses rely on the foot traffic from major employers like the mill, a nearby medical center, and a truck manufacturing plant. The mill’s closure could ripple through the economy, hitting small businesses hardest. Trent’s coffee shop, for instance, thrives on the daily rush of workers grabbing a quick latte before their shift. If those workers lose their jobs, the whole downtown could feel the pinch.
- Economic ripple effect: Fewer mill workers mean less spending at local shops.
- Community identity: The mill is a symbol of Chillicothe’s history and pride.
- Job loss: 830 workers face an uncertain future, many with decades of experience.
A Glimmer of Hope
Amid the uncertainty, there’s a flicker of optimism. After the closure was announced, a local senator stepped in, securing a temporary reprieve. The mill’s shutdown, originally planned in phases, has been paused until the end of 2025. This delay gives the community a chance to fight for a solution—whether that’s convincing Pixelle to keep the mill open or finding a buyer committed to Chillicothe’s future.
I can’t help but admire the resilience of small towns like this. When the chips are down, people rally. Community leaders, workers, and business owners are banding together, hoping for a miracle. Some are pushing for the mill to be sold to a company that sees its value, not just as a business but as a community anchor. Others are exploring ways to diversify the local economy, though that’s easier said than done in a region where industry has long been king.
The Bigger Picture: Private Equity’s Role
The mill’s fate isn’t just a local story—it’s part of a larger trend. Private equity firms, like the one that owns Pixelle, often buy companies with an eye on short-term profits. Critics argue they sometimes strip assets and cut jobs to maximize returns, leaving communities like Chillicothe to pick up the pieces. One local leader called it “corporate greed” at its worst, a sentiment that resonates with many residents.
These firms swoop in, make their money, and leave towns like ours in the dust.
– Local business owner
It’s a tough pill to swallow. The mill, once a powerhouse in the paper industry, has changed hands multiple times since its founding. In the 1890s, it was bought by a Dayton entrepreneur and grew into one of the largest paper manufacturers in the country. Mergers and acquisitions followed, each shifting the mill’s focus further from its roots. Now, with a private equity firm at the helm, the priority seems to be efficiency over legacy.
What’s Next for Chillicothe?
The road ahead is uncertain, but Chillicothe isn’t giving up. Community leaders are working with state officials to explore options, from tax incentives to attract new buyers to retraining programs for displaced workers. There’s talk of repurposing the mill for new industries, though that’s a long shot in a town built on paper. Still, the spirit of resilience is palpable.
For families like Judy’s, the mill is more than a paycheck—it’s a way of life. Losing it would mean losing a piece of their history. But perhaps the most inspiring part of this story is the way the community is coming together. From coffee shop owners to retired workers, everyone’s rooting for a solution. Maybe it’s naive to hope for a miracle, but in a town like Chillicothe, hope is what keeps people going.
| Key Employer | Impact on Chillicothe | Risk of Closure |
| Paper Mill | 830 jobs, economic anchor | High |
| Medical Center | Healthcare jobs, local spending | Low |
| Truck Plant | Manufacturing jobs | Moderate |
What would you do if your town’s biggest employer shut down overnight? For Chillicothe, that question isn’t hypothetical—it’s a reality staring them in the face. The paper mill’s closure could reshape the town’s future, but the community’s determination might just rewrite the ending. Whether it’s through a new buyer, a bold reinvention, or sheer grit, Chillicothe is fighting to keep its heart beating.
As I think about this town’s story, I’m reminded of how fragile economic stability can be. One decision, made in a boardroom miles away, can upend lives. Yet, there’s something powerful about a community that refuses to give up. Chillicothe’s story isn’t over—it’s just entering a new chapter. And I, for one, am rooting for a happy ending.
