More than 2,200 sign open letter to H.I.G.
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – July 15, 2025 – In a show of continued unity, Chillicothe and Ross County's civic leaders, along with the community supporting them, have come together to confront H.I.G. Capital regarding the accelerated closure of the historic Pixelle paper mill, now scheduled for August 10, 2025.
A formal letter signed by key community leaders and supported by more than 2,200 individuals across 34 states will be delivered to H.I.G. Capital, expressing concern over the sudden shift from the previously agreed-upon timeline of December 2025. The letter will be delivered through the office of Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, who has maintained consistent contact with H.I.G. Capital.
"This unified response demonstrates our community's resilience and commitment to working together through challenges," Throne added. "We've successfully navigated industrial transitions before when businesses and local leaders work as partners. We remain hopeful that H.I.G. Capital will recognize the value in engaging with a community that has been home to this operation for generations."
The letter details the significant economic impact of the closure:
More than 1,400 jobs and over $687,000 in economic impact in Ross County
$1 billion and more than 2,700 jobs across Ohio
Dozens of local businesses in the supply chain
The community's 200-year papermaking heritage
Rather than making demands, community leaders have proposed a partnership approach that includes open communication, collaborative planning for the site, resource coordination with economic development partners, and worker support initiatives.
The letter was signed by Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney, Ross County Economic Development Director Tammy Eallonardo, Chamber President Mike Throne, and all three Ross County Commissioners – Jack Everson, James Lowe, and David Glass.
The letter requests a response by July 17, 2025, to begin meaningful dialogue about the transition.