CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) — A Chillicothe paper mill that was set to shutdown and leave 800 people without jobs will remain open through the end of the year.

One day after Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) sent a scathing letter to the CEOs of Pixelle Specialty Solutions, a subsidiary of HIG Capital, he announced Friday that HIG capital agreed to pause the closure and keep the paper mill open until the end of 2025 after speaking with HIG Capital’s founder, Sami Mnaymneh.

“I look forward to working with them to find a solution that guarantees the well-being of Ohio workers,” Moreno wrote in a post on X that included the announcement of the closure’s pause.

“This is a moment of optimism,” Ross Bushnell, President and CEO of Pixelle Specialty Solutions, said in a media release. “We are grateful to leaders at the city, county, state, and federal levels who came together to help us explore sustainable options for our team, this facility, and the Chillicothe community. Our commitment now is to our employees, our customers, and to doing the hard work that comes with turning this opportunity into a positive outcome.”

Paper mills have been a part of Chillicothe since at least the 19th century, with some locals having ties to the mill for generations. Terry Carey, a retiree from the mill, says three generations of his family have worked there.

“My son still works there and its just been a part of my life and the community for as long as I can remember,” said Carey. “This town was built on blood, sweat and paper.”

Moreno was joined in Chillicothe Friday for a press conference by Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH), Gov. Mike DeWine, U.S. Representative David Taylor (R-OH), and Attorney General Dave Yost. Chillicothe natives attended to hear the good news.

“This is a mill that started 213 years ago. Survived the Civil War. Survived World War One. Survived the Great Depression. Survived World War Two. And it has to be able to survive a private equity company,” said Sen. Moreno emphatically as he recounted his call with Mnaymneh to residents during a Friday press conference.

Sen. Moreno added he wants to work to legislate more guardrails and accountability for private equity firms who want to close the doors of places like the mill. Sen. Husted agreed and pointed to this happening to other workplaces, such as hospitals, long-term healthcare facilities, and Jo-Ann Fabrics.

“Private equity firms have been buying up companies, running them into the ground, selling off the pieces and walking away from communities,” said Sen. Husted.