NSW Premier Chris Minns has opened Australia’s most energy-efficient glass recycling factory in Penrith.
Last Thursday, the Premier was joined by his Deputy and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car and State Member for Penrith Karen McKeown to declare open the $150 million state-of-the-art facility.
The new Visy funded warehouse is Australia’s first oxygen-only fuelled furnace and will produce over 800 million glass containers each year using advanced recycled cullet preheating technology to increase the use of recycled glass in Australia’s glass bottle manufacturing sector.
Minns officially opened the warehouse on Andrews Road alongside Visy Chairman Anthony Pratt and said the new facility would be a boost for western Sydney,
“We welcome Visy’s vote of confidence in western Sydney and NSW,” he said.
“The bottles and jars made here will end up in the hands of millions of Aussies each year.”
McKeown said that the new facility is a win for Penrith.
“Thank you, Visy Chairman Anthony Pratt, for the investment of $150 million into this glass recycling remanufacturing facility right here in Penrith,” McKeown said.
“Visy’s sustainable glass furnace not only sets a new benchmark in energy efficiency but also highlights our commitment to environmental responsibility. For the Penrith community, this means local jobs, economic growth, and a leading role in promoting sustainable practices.
“The facility employs 190 workers, providing vital employment opportunities for our Penrith residents.
“I am proud that Penrith is home to Visy’s ground-breaking facility.
“This initiative is particularly welcomed as a few short years ago, under the previous government, hundreds of thousands of tonnes of glass were stockpiled and landfilled instead of recycled, threatening to seriously damage the community’s faith in the billion-dollar glass recycling industry.
“Many companies with glass had nowhere to go because there was no viable market. It is important to recognise that Visy has stepped up with this investment to be a part of the solution.
“This initiative ensures that our community and future generations will have access to sustainable jobs and energy solutions, this is a win for Penrith and a win for the state.”
Car said that the jobs created will give an incredible boost to the local community.
“Jobs created in both the building and operating of manufacturing facilities make a huge impact to the suburbs around them,” she said.
“Local jobs like these not only put food on the table and pay the rent, they also allow western Sydney families to spend more time together by cutting down commutes.
“I am pleased to see market leaders like Visy make game-changing investments in our community.”
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.