Townsville’s Opal Fibre Packaging facility closes, making 37 workers redundant

A large Townsville packaging manufacturer has quietly closed its doors, leaving 37 locals without jobs. Read why it closed.

Opal's packaging manufacturing facility at the Bohle closed in August. Picture: Supplied.

Dozens of Townsville workers have been made redundant after Opal, Townsville’s large packaging manufacturing facility in the Bohle, quietly shut its doors in early August.

The Townsville Bulletin received an anonymous tip off about the closure of the business at 806-824 Ingham Rd, which has previously been known as Orora and Amcor.

Opal is a paper, packaging and recycling group operating in Australia and New Zealand and is a member of the Nippon Paper Group.

An Opal spokeswoman said the closure of the Townsville site “resulted in redeployment, and unfortunately 37 roles were made redundant”.

“To position Opal Fibre Packaging (OFP) Queensland for the future, Opal has made the decision to consolidate its Queensland manufacturing from our existing fibrepackaging site at Rocklea,” the spokeswoman said.

Opal's packaging facility at 806-824 Ingham Rd, Bohle closed doors in early August. Picture: Leighton Smith.

“As a result, OFP Townsville closed in early August. Opal has been working with and supporting all affected team members and offering outplacement support, to assist with finding alternative employment in the region.

“OFP has been a part of the Townsville community for more than 70 years and we want to recognise the contribution and dedication of our Townsville team members and thank them for their good work over all the years.”

Opal's packaging facility at 806-824 Ingham Rd, Bohle closed doors in early August. Picture: Google Maps.

Questions about their future plans for the site weren’t answered.

When the Townsville Bulletin visited the site on Friday, a security guard was stationed at the front gate, blocking entry.

A forklift was sighted dumping stacks of cardboard packaging into large industrial bins.

On its website, Opal said it worked closely with it customers to deliver a comprehensive range of packaging solutions from corrugated boxes, solid board folding cartons, bags and sacks to point of purchase displays, general materials and supplies and packaging solutions.

Opal produce a range of packaging solutions including corrugated boxes. Picture: Shutterstock.

“Opal operates Australia’s most advanced brown packaging recycling facility where we produce 100 per cent recycled liners and corrugating mediums,” Opal said.

“For nearly 40 years we have supplied Australian industry with a range of products that keep things running smoothly throughout warehouses, workshops and offices nation-wide.”

Originally published as Townsville’s Opal Fibre Packaging facility closes, making 37 workers redundant