CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The planned closure of Pixelle Specialty Solutions’ paper mill in Chillicothe has been paused through the end of 2025, U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, announced Friday.

The decision follows Moreno’s letter demanding answers about the shutdown, initially announced Tuesday.

“I am pleased that the closure of the Chillicothe paper mill has been paused,” Moreno said in a statement. “This facility is vital to our community, and I will continue to fight for the workers and their families.”

Speaking at the plant an hour after his electronic announcement, Moreno told supporters the pause extends through 2025 but cautioned there is no guarantee beyond that.

“This is a team sport,” he said. “This means the city, the county, the state and the federal government … are gonna work diligently, with urgency over the next eight months. We’re gonna find a company that’s willing to come to Chillicothe who will invest in the people first.”

Moreno emphasized the mill’s critical role in the local economy and vowed to secure its long-term operation.

Mike Throne, president and CEO of the Chillicothe-Ross Chamber of Commerce, hailed the pause as a lifeline for the community.

“The news echoing through Chillicothe today, Friday, April 18th, is more than just ink on paper – it is a lifeline,” Throne said. “The chance to preserve the Pixelle paper mill signifies safeguarding livelihoods, bolstering our community’s spirit, and serving as a powerful testament to the enduring importance of industry in our town. This represents a short-term victory for Chillicothe’s past, present, and future.”

Throne urged the community to capitalize on the opportunity.

“We’ve been given more time, but time is only as good as how we spend it,” he said. “It’s essential to take a moment this weekend to celebrate the holiday with family. However, on Monday, we will need to begin the hard work required to make the future as bright as the past has been.”

He expressed gratitude to federal, state, and local leaders for their efforts and pledged the Chamber’s commitment to the task ahead.

“Thank you very much to the team of federal, state, and local legislators and leaders who presented us with this opportunity for a new future,” Throne said. “We owe it to you to put in hard work, determination, and effort to ensure it pays off. The Chamber fully commits to its role in the task ahead. We are still Mill City. Let’s keep it that way.”

U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, criticized private equity firms, including Pixelle’s owner, Miami-based H.I.G. Capital, for exploiting large employers in small communities.

“That has to stop,” Husted said. “When we have people who want to abuse the system and abuse the people who live and work here, they have to be held to account. And we’re gonna do that.”