OPAL TO CLOSE ANOTHER MACHINE

Opal will close its M2 paper making machine at Maryvale, less than six months after closing M5, both closures the result of the Supreme Court decision in favour of a possum, which stopped the mill's supply of logs.

The M2 line is the smallest remaining paper making machine at the mill, it has produced white grades, for print, and brown grades for packaging.

Opal no longer manufacturers any white papers from its mill. The 200,000 tonnes it was producing was split roughly 50/50 between copier papers, like the market leading Reflex, and print grades. Replacements from overseas mills are now being imported by various distributors.

Opal will continue to manufacture brown packaging grades for Australia and New Zealand on its M1, M3 and M4 machines. Some of the brown grades that were produced on M2 will be switched to the M3 line.

Opal has targeted the closure of M2 to take effect in late August, but says this timing will be informed by a number of considerations, including customer discussions.

It has commenced consultation with its affected team members and the union on the impact of this decision. Opal is providing additional support through its Employee Assistance Program and other onsite services at the Maryvale Mill.

Opal says that despite the “heavy financial burden” from the unplanned situation, it is seeking a successful transition of the Maryvale Mill into a commercially sustainable manufacturing operation. 

The Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) facility is important to securing the Mill’s future energy needs, and the consortium partners are committed to continuing to move this project forward.

Opal Maryvale was the only mill in Australia manufacturing white (printing) grades in Australia.