CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The former Pixelle paper mill in Chillicothe has been sold to U.S. Medical Glove Company — six months after the facility announced it would close and lay off 800 employees — bringing new hope to a community that faced widespread job losses earlier this year.

The deal officially closed at 3 p.m. Tuesday, and by Friday, the new owners had already hired 60 employees. The announcement was made with Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno on hand, along with county officials and company owners.

The facility will be converted to produce nitrile gloves and masks, with plans to eventually manufacture their own packaging boxes. The change marks a dramatic shift for the site, which had operated as a paper mill for decades.

"Most of what will be made in this factory would have otherwise bee

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