CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Pixelle paper mill in Chillicothe will soon close, impacting about 800 employees. Ross Bushnell, president and CEO of Pixelle Specialty Solutions, called the decision “extremely difficult” in a statement released Tuesday. The company cited an effort to “align its operational footprint with long-term business objectives” as part of its reason for closure. Operations are expected to wind down in phases over the coming weeks. About 800 employees will be without a job. …Throne said, “Closing a cherished, long-standing institution creates a void that will be felt throughout Chillicothe.” Pixelle said “this difficult but necessary decision will allow Pixelle to strengthen its remaining operations and maintain its competitive position in the specialty paper market. …Production will be consolidated at Pixelle’s Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, and Fremont, Ohio, facilities. The closure marks the latest in a series of strategic moves for Pixelle, which recently divested its Stevens Point, Wisconsin, mill to Ahlstrom.