The project was said to be one of the most significant foreign manufacturing investments in the UK in years.
Eren launched the Shotton Mill project at a business event attended by senior ministers from the UK and Welsh governments along with leading figures from the international business community.
The new containerboard and tissue production facility was said to one be the most advanced of its kind in Europe and it will be one of the largest in the UK.
Britain, currently, exports waste cardboard which is recycled overseas and is imported back for sale in the UK.
However, when fully operational, the containerboard plant will transform the UK from a net importer to a net exporter. It will further improve recycling by handling a quarter of the waste cardboard that is currently sent abroad.
The plant will be energy self sufficient and the development of a hydrogen enabled combined heat and power (CHP) plant is a key aspect of the project This will generate efficient, low-carbon energy to power the mill’s operations, achieving one of the company’s key sustainability targets.
The Shotton Mill project has received significant financial backing from the UK Government, through UK Export Finance (UKEF). This has agreed to underwrite a £136m Export Development Guarantee (EDG).
Additionally, Welsh Government has provided almost £13m in funding to help safeguard jobs and support the production of containerboard using recycled materials sourced within the UK.
Hamdullah Eren, board member of Eren Holding, said: “This is the first step towards building a world-class facility that will completely transform recycling levels in the UK. We cannot wait to start production and to turn our vision into reality. We are extremely pleased to have the support of both the UK and Welsh Governments. This has allowed us to move forward with a major overseas investment as we realise our exciting plans for Shotton Mill.”
Jonathan Reynolds MP, secretary of state for business and trade, said: “This is a massive vote of confidence in the Welsh economy and this governments plans to make Britain the destination of choice for investments in the industries of tomorrow. This transformative investment will not only support local skilled jobs but raise living standards in the community.”
Secretary of state for Wales Jo Stevens said: “Deeside has a long and proud history as one of Wales’ key industrial centres and this significant investment from our two governments will secure jobs and help bring a prosperous future for the area. We have reset the relationship between the UK and Welsh Government. Working together in close partnership we are delivering growth and good jobs to people across Wales.”
Rebecca Evans MS, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, added: “This is excellent news for Deeside and the wider Welsh economy and is a prime example of how, through our commitment to a prosperous, green economy we are able to attract investment, and create good, sustainable jobs whilst reducing waste.”
“Once fully operational, instead of transporting paper waste many hundreds or thousands of miles overseas to be processed it will be turned into recycled packaging here in Wales. This, alongside the nature of the technology, means a net reduction in carbon emissions equivalent to emissions from 190,000 homes a year.
“Our £12m support will help ensure this is delivered whilst safeguarding and creating local jobs and ensuring that the community is at the heart of the business’ success for many years to come.”
