COLUMBUS, Ohio (News release) -- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has issued a series of action steps following the recent announcement by Pixelle Specialty Solutions that they plan to close their Chillicothe paper mill in the coming months.
"I am extremely disappointed in the decision made by Pixelle," said Governor DeWine. "The paper mill in Chillicothe has been in operation more than 100 years, providing good jobs for the community for generations."
"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 continued.
The Governor has directed the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to begin work immediately to assist the 826 employees Ohioans impacted by the closure.
ODJFS' Rapid Response team, which assists individuals after layoffs, is reaching out to the management of Pixelle to set up Rapid Response sessions. Pixelle employees who attend these sessions will receive information explaining how to access free reemployment services, how to apply for unemployment benefits, and more.
"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 ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder. "Our goal is to ensure employees have the benefits they need and are able to find new employment as quickly as possible."
While impacted employees are not eligible for unemployment until their employment ends, they can take advantage of employment services at any time at OhioMeansJobs.com or their local OhioMeansJobs Center.
Additionally, at Governor DeWine's direction, economic development officials at JobsOhio and their regional partners at Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) are working to evaluate the Ross County plant site and help Pixelle with marketing the 400-acre site to potential buyers.
These economic development partners have also begun working alongside Pixelle's supply chain businesses to help them identify new opportunities for sales within Ohio.
