The ongoing growth of Logic Wodonga as an industrial and logistics powerhouse of the local economy has surged ahead, with work to start soon on the construction of a $140 million cardboard manufacturing facility at the site.
The Opal Group has announced construction will start on the 47,000sqm manufacturing facility in August, 2022.
The company said the project was expected to support up to 195 Victorian jobs, including direct and flow-on positions, during stage one of construction.
Once operational, the facility will support 432 direct and flow-on jobs, with 76 of those positions to be created on site at Logic.
Wodonga Mayor Kev Poulton said the announcement reinforced the message that Wodonga is open for business – with a focus on the investment opportunities available at Logic.
“This is a really good outcome for the community, it puts Wodonga on the map, it’s being open to some pretty big players and we’ve got capacity here to do more,” he said.
“With its key logistical advantages on major road and rail freight routes, as well as the special lifestyle opportunities offered in Wodonga, Logic has huge potential to grow and deliver jobs, investment and opportunities to our community in the years ahead.”
Developed with support from the Victorian Government, stage one involves the construction of the highly automated, sophisticated factory and stage two will extend the facility’s supply capacity to meet growth in demand, through emerging technologies.
Sustainability will play a key role in the design via solar energy generation and water harvesting capabilities. It will feature enhanced supply chain capabilities and advanced manufacturing.
Opal CEO Matt Iizuka said the announcement reflected Opal’s significant investment in modern manufacturing in regional Victoria.
“Opal operates a fully integrated value chain in sustainable fibre packaging,” Mr Iizuka said.
“The new facility will allow us to supply growing markets and better serve the developing needs of our customers.
“We appreciate the Victorian Government’s role in providing support to help make this important regional project a reality.”
The factory is scheduled to open in late 2023.