In a move that underscores the shifting terrain of industry and its impact on workers, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced a suite of measures in response to the closure of the Pixelle Specialty Solutions paper mill in Chillicothe. This establishment, a fixture for over a century, is set to shut its doors, leaving 826 employees facing unemployment. Governor Mike DeWine expressed his disappointment, stating, "I am extremely disappointed in the decision made by Pixelle," according to a release on the Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's official website.
The governor, having been informed of the company's decision, has tasked the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) with initiating immediate assistance for the affected workers. Governor DeWine's commitment shines through as the state machinery gears up to offer vital support. "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.
ODJFS is ramping up its efforts by deploying its Rapid Response team to provide necessary aid to the soon-to-be-displaced employees. The Rapid Response team is coordinating with the management at Pixelle to organize sessions that will provide the workforce with essential information about reemployment services, unemployment benefits application processes, and more. These measures are a stopgap designed to secure the transition for individuals who have for years anchored their livelihoods to the paper mill.
ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder, reinforcing the governor's directive, emphasized swift action from his department, stating, "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." This was reported on the official website of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. His words promise a cushion against the hardships of job loss, yet they echo amidst the uncertainty of an industry's end.
