THE Kimberly- Clark Australia (KCA) Millicent Mill is looking for extra workers in a response to soaring demand for its toilet paper and tissues.
Production levels have sky-rocketed since nationwide panic buying of paper products started more than three weeks ago in response to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
KCA had already postponed machinery maintenance shuts until later in 2020.
On Tuesday, the company invited expressions of interest for casual workers to join the current 400-strong complement of KCA employees and contractors.
“We are searching for people who have a strong work ethic, enthusiastic attitude and a willingness to develop their skill set in manufacturing and logistics,” the online advertisement said.
“We are a 24-hour operation and applicants will be flexible to work across day, afternoon and night shifts.”
Other than seeking some workers for specialised roles, it is the first general call for employees at the Millicent Mill in around a decade.
Back in 2011, KCA shed around 300 employees when it closed the Tantanoola pulp mill and shut two of its Millicent Mill machines.
KCA communications departmental head Annelise Tregoning was unwilling to state the number of extra employees currently being sought, the duration of their employment or the start date.
“We will be increasing the number of casual employees at the Millicent Mill in response to the increased demand for our essential brands and to ensure that we can further support our people during this time,” Ms Tregoning said.
Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union Millicent Mill secretary Craig O’Connor represents the interests of 285 members at the plant, but declined to comment on the recruitment move.
Mr O’Connor said union members were well aware of the high demand for the mill’s products.
“Morale at the mill remains at a good level,” Mr O’Connor said.
“We are doing our bit for the good of the nation.”
Millicent Business Community Association president Lee Morgan said the organisation recognised the mill’s importance for many years.
“The current surge in demand for vital paper-based products currently being experienced by Australians because of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasises the need to strengthen further production in Australia and in the Pacific,” Mr Morgan said.
“Given the worldwide situation, I think Australians now see it as common sense, if not logical that once the pandemic eases, that decisions are made based on expanding further the production of vital products such as what KCA produces in Australia.
“The news of having casual production workers is a great step forward in this direction.”
Wattle Range mayor Des Noll and chief executive Ben Gower were contacted for comment.
