Orora completes South Australia plant expansion

Investment in Gawler plant increases capacity and creates new jobs

Australian packaging manufacturer Orora has completed a 42 million AUD (33.8 million USD) investment project to increase glass bottle production at its facility in Gawler, South Australia, creating 26 new jobs.

The investment has expanded the glass bottle forming lines at the plant, increasing capacity by 60 million bottles per year. Orora said the increase in production will directly benefit the South Australian wine industry, which is enjoying a sustained period of growth, fuelled by exports to key global markets.

Last month, the Australian government unveiled a 50 million AUD (39.5 million USD) fund to promote the country’s wine exports and wine tourism offer.

Orora CEO Nigel Garrard said: “Orora’s Gawler facility is already one of the largest glass manufacturing facilities in the southern hemisphere and this investment enables us to service the increased demand for high quality glass bottles.

“We worked closely with the South Australian government during the plant expansion and were pleased to receive their investment support as we completed the project on time and on budget.

“The expansion at Gawler represents one of Orora’s largest capital investments in Australia and helps underpin the long-term future of our glass business. The investment reinforces Orora’s commitment to be an innovative and customer-led provider of world-class packaging solutions.”

Orora employs more than 6,700 people across 131 sites in seven counties.