Ngodwana - More than 1 000 new permanent jobs have been created when South African Pulp and Paper Industries (Sappi) launched a new R3.3bn specialised cellulose fibre plant.
Sappi CEO Alex Thiel said 1 035 permanent jobs and 400 sub-contracting jobs were created.
Specialised cellulose, also known as “dissolving wood pulp”, is used to make textile fibres, as well as in pharmaceutical, beauty and household products.
“The investment we made here in Ngodwana will take Sappi's capacity to over 1.3 million metric tons of specialised cellulose per year, representing 20% of global supply.
Delivering results
"We're the world's leader in specialised cellulose, not only in production but also in technical ability, research, development capacity and matching our products to the needs of our customers,” said Thiel.
The newly launched plant represents Sappi's belief that South Africa is globally competitive and that its people can compete with the world's best, said Thiel.
“This project has been implemented and is already delivering results."
He said Sappi's presence in Mpumalanga continued to provide significant benefits to the local economy and through their forestry operations, specifically to the rural communities.
Young people
“Over 42 000 people depend on the Ngodwana Mill's presence for their livelihood, with the mill contributing over R4.2bn in the province’s economy. This newly launched project further strengthens our links to Mpumalanga and ensures that our contribution will only grow into the future,” said Thiel.
Mpumalanga MEC for the department of finance, economic development and tourism, Eric Kholwane, said the department would work with Sappi for the further development and investment in the people of the province, especially in the development of young people.
“We must also be able to notice what would be the spin-off of this investment in our province so that we can ensure that much needed jobs are created.