Pixelle Chillicothe to Restart Paper Machine #24
Pixelle Specialty Solutions, in collaboration with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, and Greater Chillicothe & Ross County Development, today announced an investment of over $21 million in upgrades and repairs to the #24 paper machine at the Chilpaco facility.
As the largest and fastest-growing manufacturer of specialty papers in North America, Pixelle Speciality Solutions offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality products.
“Pixelle continues to innovate and advance technology to drive the paper industry forward,” said J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio president and CEO. “This investment brings 52 new full-time jobs to the paper mill and 50 construction and engineering jobs, which is a testament to the benefits of doing business in Southeast Ohio.”
Restarting the #24 paper machine will allow for the manufacture of Food Grade Papers on the machine and help meet the demands of the growing fast-food markets.
“The current supply-demand balance in the market and our Ohio facility’s competitive, integrated cost structure has afforded us the opportunity to restart paper machine #24 (PM24) at the Chillicothe mill. This rebuilt machine will add 75,000 tons per year of capacity to serve our customers in the food packaging, commercial inkjet, and other specialty paper segments. These are growing attractive markets where Pixelle has leading positions,” said Timothy R. Hess, Pixelle’s President and CEO.
Tim added, “We would also like to acknowledge JobsOhio for an economic development grant that will support an employee training program to provide workers with the skillsets required to operate the paper machine safely and efficiently.”
JobsOhio supported the project with a $250,000 JobsOhio Workforce Grant and Ohio Southeast Economic Development assisted the company with the grant process.
“We and our partners at JobsOhio appreciate Pixelle’s confidence in Southeast Ohio and the talented workforce in Ross County,” said Mike Jacoby, Ohio Southeast president. “We are thrilled that Pixelle is making this significant investment and continuing its 120-year commitment to product quality and dedication to excellence at its Chillicothe facility.”
The Chillicothe paper mill was founded in 1881 and is the last remaining integrated paper mill in the state of Ohio.
“Ross County’s paper-making roots run deep,” stated Director Tammy Eallonardo, Greater Chillicothe & Ross County Development. “Generations of families have worked at our paper mill. We take great pride in their legacy and look forward to the restart of the #24 paper machine. Pixelle’s continued investment strengthens our local economy.”
Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) is the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, providing economic development work and resources in 25 rural counties; they are the newest and geographically the largest of the six regions across the state. OhioSE partners closely with regional development districts, local economic development offices, state agencies, and other entities to expand, retain, and attract businesses in the counties they serve.
Additional coverage:
- “Pixelle Speciality Solutions announces expansion in Chillicothe” – The Highland County Press, 10/04/2022
- “Pixelle Speciality Solutions announces expansion in Chillicothe, Ohio; Will add 52 new full time jobs” – River Cities Tribune & Register, 10/04/2022
- “Pixelle to restart Ohio line” – Recycling Today, 10/06/2022
- “Pixelle expansion to bring over 50 new jobs to Ross County” – Chillicothe Gazette, 10/04/2022
