Amcor began construction on the upgraded mill earlier this year, including the purchase of a new recycling machine from Finnish company Metso to replace their current 40-year-old machine.

Amcor is consolidating its paper-making operations onto a single site at Botany, and will be closing its site in the Melbourne suburb of Fairfield upon the project’s completion, expected to be next year.

The NSW Government said it had helped keep the mill project in the state with an assistance package from Industry & Investment NSW.

Treasurer Eric Roozendaal said the assistance package helped ensure the mill would be world-standard.

“Growing international competition saw the Botany Mill facing possible closure with its work being consolidated elsewhere, putting more than 100 existing jobs in danger,” he said.

“The upgrade will mean that existing employees will have a chance to secure employment in the upgraded mill and additional new employees will be required at several levels to operate the mill.”

The upgraded mill is expected to support 130 jobs and more than 800 jobs during construction.

Local state member Michael Daley said the project was good news for the local community and the employees.

“The new Amcor Mill will be the most advanced and environmentally sustainable mill of its type in Asia Pacific, providing a centre of excellence for paper-making right here in Botany,” he said.

“I’m especially pleased that the new mill will have a significant reduction in odours for local residents. This is something we have been working hard on for a long time.”

Amcor recorded a 13.5% rise in profits in its 2009/10 financial year results last week.

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