CHILLICOTHE - U.S. Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) today joined Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Senator Jon Husted (R-OH), Governor Mike DeWine, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in a press conference to voice his support for the employees impacted by the closure of the Pixelle Specialty Solutions Paper Mill. Today's press conference follows this morning's announcement that the closure of the Chillicothe paper mill has been delayed from June of 2025 to the end of the calendar year.

"The closure of Pixelle Specialty Paper Mill will be a great loss to the Chillicothe community, with over 800 skilled employees losing their jobs and means of providing for their families," said Congressman Taylor. "I'd like to congratulate my colleague, Senator Moreno, for his work to delay this closure, allowing hardworking Ohio families more time to transition to new jobs."

"My office has been and will continue working to direct impacted employees to all available resources, making their transition to new employment as seamless as possible," continued Congressman Taylor. "I'm proud to serve alongside Senator Moreno, Senator Husted, and local leaders to ensure Ohioans have access to local and well-paying jobs."

On April 15, 2025, the Pixelle Specialty Solutions Paper Mill in Chillicothe announced its plan to close down the paper mill, which has operated in the region for the past 100 years. Paper production has been an economic staple in Chillicothe since the 19th century, providing sizable contributions to the local economy.

Senator Moreno sent a letter to the private equity firm responsible for the mill's closure on April 17th, 2025, demanding answers and advocating for the impacted 826 employees. Senator Moreno announced this morning that the closure initially set for June 13th, 2025 has been delayed until the end of the 2025 calendar year. Congressman Taylor applauded Senator Moreno's advocacy and the resulting delay in the mill's closure.

Governor Mike DeWine voiced his support for separated employees, directing the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to provide immediate assistance to impacted workers.

"We are going to ensure that the workers who are impacted are aware of all the benefits, resources, and opportunities available to them in Ohio - including opportunities for new employment," Governor DeWine said in a previous statement.

Governor DeWine detailed the state of Ohio's initial response to news of the closure in an announcement published on his official website, sharing action steps being taken by the state.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Matt Damschroder shared the organization's prompt response to the situation. "At the direction of Governor DeWine, we are getting to work right away - helping employees understand how they can apply for employment once they are separated, as well as the variety of reemployment services options available to them," said Director Damschroder. "Our goal is to ensure employees have the benefits they need and are able to find new employment as quickly as possible."

Below are resources available to impacted employees:

Ohio Means Jobs
American Jobs Center (DOL)
COBRA (Healthcare)
Dislocated Worker Program (DOL)
National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWG, DOL).