Timmons Honors Hometown Mead Paper Mill as Historic Institution Closes
Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the closure of the old Mead paper mill, now the Pixelle paper mill, in his hometown of Chillicothe, Ohio.
“As a child of Chillicothe and Ross County, I share in the deep sorrow that so many in southern Ohio are feeling at the devastating loss of Mead. The Mead paper mill is an institution that has been part of the fabric of the community for generations. For so many families through the years, the mill provided a pathway to America’s middle class and careers that led to improved standards of living and quality of life. My family was among them.
“My grandfather worked at the Mead plant for nearly four decades. I can still vividly remember waiting for him to come home from the overnight shift, and I was brimming with excitement when he walked through the door. He would immediately rest up for the next shift, as my grandmother would often explain how blessed we were for the opportunities that Mead provided.
“I am so grateful for the men and women who powered my hometown for generations with their determination and drive as Mead supplied the world with specialized paper products. It is with great sadness that we witness the end of this historic chapter in Chillicothe. However, I have no doubt that even as our community grieves, the great people of Chillicothe, Ross County and the surrounding area will rise to the challenge and bring new opportunities for the next generation.”
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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.93 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.