UPM Shotton MRF on track to open in 2011

Mr Jones was given a tour of the development, which has had its steel structure erected, and met with UPM project manager David Green and David Ingham, general manager of UPM Shotton to discuss the plant. Topping out at the site is expected in September this year.

The Minister praised the development, which is expected to create 160 jobs in North Wales, and said it served as “an example of government action making a difference on the ground and investing in our future.”

He added: “Green jobs will play a key part in the development of the Welsh economy and modern recycling facilities like this one will be central to this. The Welsh Assembly Government is delighted that we have been able to support this latest investment, which is an important boost for the economy of North East Wales and will deliver long term benefits for the region.”

Commenting on the Minister's visit, Mr Ingham said: “The continued support and partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government is extremely valued by UPM. This year we are marketing 25 years of sustainable manufacturing at Shotton. The new facility is an excellent way to start the next chapter for the mill and our employees.”

Once complete, the MRF is intended to sort plastic bottles, cardboard, newspapers and metals, which will then go onto reprocessing.

Of the 200,000 tonnes of material sorted each year, it is anticipated that 120,000 tonnes will be papers and magazines, with the plant providing around 20% of the recovered paper used as raw material in UPM's paper mill, which uses around 640,000 tonnes of newspapers and magazines a year to produce newsprint.

Undertaking the construction work is Preston-based Eric Wright Group and UPM has also appointed Canadian MRF technology firm Machinex to supply and install sorting equipment and lines.

Mr Ingham added: “We are extremely pleased to be able to reach this significant milestone in our project. By choosing good quality and experienced partners such as Machinex and Eric Wright Group, we believe that we have best possible platform to reach future milestones and start up in January 2011.”