U.S. Paper Mill targets December 2026 restart of Chillicothe paper machine

U.S. Paper Mill is reviving the 12 Paper Machine, known as The Chief, at its Chillicothe, Ohio facility, targeting full operation by December 2026. The company acquired the site in October 2025 after Pixelle Specialty Solutions closed the mill in August 2025, and is rehiring former Pixelle staff while forecasting up to 350 new jobs within a year.

Why this mattersRestarting a machine Pixelle closed in August 2025 returns specialty paper capacity to the Ohio market and rehires part of the displaced workforce.

• U.S. Paper Mill acquired the Chillicothe, Ohio facility in October 2025 after Pixelle Specialty Solutions closed the mill in August 2025.
• 13 former Pixelle employees are currently working to restart the 12 Paper Machine, nicknamed The Chief.
• The company expects the machine to be fully operational by December 2026.
• Over 180 employees currently work on-site across diverse operations at the repurposed facility.
• U.S. Paper Mill estimates it could add 350 new employees to paper operations within the next year.

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