Mpact Ltd is one of the largest paper and plastics packaging businesses in southern Africa and is listed on the JSE’s Main Board in the Industrial – Paper and Packaging sector. Mpact had combined sales of recycled containerboard and cartonboard of 416 325 tons in 2014 and is the market leader in southern Africa in recovered paper collection, corrugated packaging, recycled-based cartonboard and containerboard and various types of plastic products.
The Felixton Mill in Empangeni, which falls within Mpact’s Paper Division, required new machinery to increase manufacturing capacity and to enable it to take 100% recycled fibre as input. The KZN Growth Fund is proud to have funded the expansion of Phase 1 of the Felixton Mill. The project contributes immensely in terms of job creation and job opportunities through initiatives to develop waste paper collection in deep rural areas and encouraging entrepreneurs through the supply of equipment, expertise, mentoring and guidance in setting up a waste paper buy-back centres in specific areas.
The mill is situated in the uThungulu district of KZN. According to a report on this district from Trade and Investment KZN, between 2002 and 2006, uThungulu had the third highest unemployment figure after the Metro of uMgungundlovu with an average unemployment rate of 46.8 percent. The impact of this investment will no doubt have a high economic multiplier effect and social return.
Project particulars:
- R200 million invested by the KZN Growth Fund
- 1160 potential informal employment opportunities
- Reduced carbon emissions by mill
- A significant role player in employment creation, job preservation and skills development in KwaZulu-Natal.
