Packaging and recycling company Visy has opened a new Packaging Hub in Devonport, Tasmania, aimed at strengthening local manufacturing capability and supporting the state’s food, beverage and agricultural sectors.
In a news release, the company said the new facility will supply cardboard packaging to customers across Tasmania, including berry and produce growers, breweries and dairy producers, as part of its longer-term investment in the state.
The modern facility was officially opened by Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, who said the development would support local employment and the broader agricultural industry.
“This is an exciting development – supporting local jobs and the broader Tasmanian agricultural industry,” Collins said.
“And as a proud Tasmanian, and the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, I understand how critical this is for our state.
“Agriculture is worth more than $2 billion to the Tasmanian economy every year and plays an important role in our state.”
According to Visy, the hub forms part of its long-term commitment to Tasmania and is designed to provide improved packaging supply and services to local producers.
Visy chief executive Mark De Wit said the investment reflected the company’s confidence in the future of Tasmanian agriculture and manufacturing.
“We’re helping get premium Tasmanian produce, food and drinks to Australian supermarket shelves and take advantage of export markets in the region,” De Wit said.
“Visy is committed to providing the infrastructure the state needs for farmers and the food and beverage sector to thrive.
“Tasmania has some of the best produce in the world and this new site will deliver greater convenience and responsiveness for customers, with improved capacity and dedicated support.”
The new site includes an 8,500-square-metre warehouse along with office space for sales and customer service teams.
Visy said it manufactures its own kraft and 100% recycled paper to help maintain a secure local supply for its cardboard packaging factories, enabling the company to deliver packaging products to customers across the region.
