CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Recent social media speculation in Ross County has raised questions about whether the former Pixelle paper mill site, now operating as a medical glove manufacturing facility, could be converted into a data center.
Hopewell Heritage Headlines reached out directly to the company for clarification. In response, officials with U.S. Paper Mill Company LLC confirmed that glove production remains active and provided strong reassurance about the site’s future.
Ongoing Glove Production and TSA Approval
U.S. Paper Mill, through its affiliate relationship with U.S. Medical Glove Company, acquired the Chillicothe facility in October 2025 after the paper mill closed in August 2025. The company has since hired approximately 150 local workers, installed American-made machinery, and established 15 nitrile-glove production lines with four more in fabrication. Plans are underway for 10 additional lines capable of producing surgical and medical-grade gloves.
On May 28, 2026, the company announced a major milestone: its nitrile gloves produced in Chillicothe have received TSA quality and safety approval. This allows U.S. Paper Mill, via its supply and licensing agreement with U.S. Medical Glove Company, to supply gloves to the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) for use by Transportation Security Administration officers.
U.S. Paper Mill Chief Financial Officer Bob Stanley had this to say:
“We are excited by the notification we have achieved TSA approval,”
“We have been working hard preparing for this important step in revitalizing the facility to bring jobs back to our community. We’re extremely proud to know that the gloves we are making right here in Chillicothe will be used to protect federal security workers.”
Company representatives have emphasized their commitment to manufacturing jobs, competitive wages, benefits, and apprenticeship training for the Ross County workforce. They continue to address community concerns and rumors, stating that operations remain focused on domestically produced medical gloves rather than alternative developments such as data centers.
Hopewell Heritage Headlines will continue to monitor updates from the Chillicothe facility and local economic developments in southern Ohio.
