CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Mead paper mill in Chillicothe ceased operations on Sunday, ending more than 200 years of production and eliminating over 800 jobs in a blow to the local economy, according to a new documentary chronicling the closure.
The mill, a cornerstone of Ross County, was purchased by private equity firm HIG Capital in 2022. Its closure reflects a broader trend of industrial facilities shuttered after corporate restructuring, leaving communities like Chillicothe grappling with economic and social fallout.
“Paper Promises,” a short documentary released Sunday, captures the human toll of the mill’s closure through interviews with workers, union leaders, small business owners, and local officials. The film, produced by Starboard Strategies and funded by The Ohio Accountability Project 2025, a 527 political action committee, highlights the disconnect between corporate decisions and their impact on small-town America.
“The mill closed yesterday, but the impact will be felt for years to come,” said Executive Producer Nicolette Jaworski. “Behind every job lost is a family, a history, and a community navigating uncertainty.”
The documentary underscores the financial gains reaped by HIG Capital’s leadership, contrasting them with the struggles of Chillicothe residents. “Chillicothe’s story isn’t unique — and that’s why it’s so important,” said Executive Producer Todd Rensi, noting similar challenges faced by communities nationwide.
For Executive Producer Lauren B. Worley, the closure is personal. “I remember visiting Chillicothe as a child and smelling The Mead in the air — locals called it ‘the smell of money,’” she said. “That smell is gone now, along with hundreds of jobs.”
The film portrays Chillicothe as a town at a crossroads, reflecting on loss while showcasing the resilience of its residents. It is available for viewing on YouTube.