Amcor Announces Leighton to Build Wine Bottle Plant

Amcor announced today that it has awarded Leighton Contractors a contract to design, construct and commission its new $130 million wine bottle plant at Gawler, South Australia.

The plant will be the first dedicated wine bottle manufacturing facility in Australia.

It will be located 15 minutes from the Barossa Valley, Australia’s largest wine growing region and provide capacity to manufacture more than 200 million wine bottles (750ml) per year.

Leighton will use container glass technology from Heye Glas, a leading European glass manufacturer and technology provider.

Work is expected to commence on the Gawler site in mid 2001 and the plant is expected to be commissioned in July 2002. The project involves delivery of a manufacturing facility, a large warehouse, support workshops and an office complex. Amcor will operate the plant after successful commissioning in accordance with design and performance specifications.

The contract to build the plant has been finalised following the final signing of long-term supply agreements with all the major wine producers. These agreements will represent a significant percentage of the output of the plant.

Russell Jones, Amcor’s Managing Director commented: “This is a very exciting project for Amcor and it is pleasing to have overwhelming industry support, in the form of long-term supply agreements, that underpin the returns.

“The wine industry is one of the highest growth segments of the economy. Amcor is committed to being a long-term packaging supplier to the industry, supporting and sharing in its on-going growth.”

Bob Merkenhof, Leighton Contractors Managing Director added, “Leighton is very pleased to deliver this unique project to Amcor. We believe the plant will produce effective outcomes for both Amcor and its customers.”

Leighton Contractors is one of Australia’s leading construction contractors and has extensive experience in delivering tailored solutions that meet individual client requirements.

For further information contact:
Amcor Limited
John Murray
Executive GM Corporate Affairs
Ph: 03 9226 9005

Leighton Contractors Pty Limited
Annie Luczka
Ph: 02 9925 6675