SAICA launches £300m Partington Mill

A £300m investment in Europe’s most advanced paper manufacturing facility has been welcomed by trade minister Michael Fallon as evidence that “Britain is open for business.”

The SAICA PM11 plant at Partington, south Manchester, has created around 200 jobs and represents the lion’s share of a £500m investment in the UK by the family-owned Spanish company since 2006.

Mr Fallon was joined by the British Ambassador to Spain and the Mayor of Trafford to celebrate the inauguration of the giant facility with senior executives and shareholders in Zaragova-based SAICA.

He said: “On behalf of the Government and Prime Minister David Cameron, I have to thank SAICA for this very considerable investment in the UK. Since 2006 they have created a complete packaging supply chain and this facility is truly impressive.”

Mr Fallon, who has recently taken on the energy ministerial brief alongside that of business, praised the PM11 plant’s environmental credentials – it uses less water than other such facilities, while it is powered by an onsite CHP unit.  Saica's new paper mill at Partington, Trafford

When fully operational, approximately 400,000 tonnes a year of 100% recycled paper will be produced at Partington Mill to be used in the manufacture of recycled corrugated boxes.

It will produce enough paper to cover the distance between Partington and London (196 miles) every 3.5 hours.

SAICA president Ramon Alejandro said: “The opening of this plant is the final piece in the loop as we already have packaging and environmental operations in the UK.

“Previously we were having to import into the UK to serve our packaging plants, but now we are able to supply our direct as well as to other UK customers.

“This was the right location for us and we have been made very welcome by the local council, the Embassy and UKTI.” 

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