Opal Group, one of the major manufacturers of paper and fibre packaging in Australia and New Zealand, has allocated $140 million in funding to construct a high-speed regional manufacturing facility for cardboard packaging in Victoria.
The Victorian government has expressed its support for the project, welcoming new job opportunities and efforts to drive growth in sustainable packaging.
Located at the Logic Wodonga industrial estate at Barnawartha, the facility will be built in two stages.
Stage 1 is the construction of the 47,000 sq m manufacturing site, creating up to 195 Victorian jobs. Once operational, the new Stage One facility is expected to onboard 432 skilled professionals, including direct and flow-on. Work will begin in August.
Stage 2 of the facility’s construction would involve extending supply capacity to meet growth in demand using emerging technologies.
The new facility puts sustainability at the forefront of its design with its solar energy generation and water harvesting capabilities. It will also feature enhanced supply chain capabilities and advanced manufacturing.
Matt Iizuka, chief executive of Opal, said the new project will enable the company to supply growing markets and cater to the developing needs of customers.
“We appreciate the Victorian Government’s role in providing support to help make this important regional project into a reality,” Iizuka said.
Wodonga Mayor Kev Poulton, said the new Opal facility will be a key part of the ongoing growth of investment and jobs at Logic.
“Opal is also a great fit for Wodonga as a leading recycling community, and as a large employer making the most of our logistical, industrial and lifestyle benefits offered by Logic, Opal is a highly valued member of our growing business sector,” said Poulton.
