The comprehensive tour began with a guided coach commentary led by Dan Johnson, General Manager, highlighting vital infrastructure, including the new Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant, and the significant logistics managing the build.

Inside our project headquarters - delegates received an update on the project's evolution, with special attention given to the plans for the Valmet containerboard paper machine - the centrepiece of the development. The opportunity to meet with our technical experts and project directors ensured all questions regarding sustainability, energy generation, and environmental performance were addressed.

We were honoured by the presence of leadership from Eren Holding, including Hamdullah Eren, Chairman of Modern Karton, and Dr. Sabri Cimen, CEO of Eren Paper Limited and Shotton Mill Limited, who personally welcomed the members.

Dr. Sabri Cimen commented: "This project is about much more than just scale; it's about setting a new global benchmark for sustainable paper manufacturing. We are immensely proud to be building this technologically advanced facility right here in North Wales, continuing the region's rich industrial heritage and securing the UK's future as a leader in the circular economy."

The highlight of the tour was the visit to the paper machine floor, where the SPA members witnessed the awe-inspiring scale of the installed equipment within the vast 300-metre-long and 32-metre-tall facility, a testament to the complex engineering effort underway.

Dan Johnson, General Manager, reflected on the experience: "Hosting the SPA delegates was a true honour and a pivotal moment for the project. Seeing their reaction to the immense scale of the mill and the technology going into this £1BN+ facility - from the new Effluent Treatment Plant to the Valmet paper machine - really underscores the significance of what we're building here. Their enthusiasm was a powerful reminder that Shotton Mill will be a game-changer for the UK corrugated sector, and we look forward to welcoming them back when it's fully operational."

Jackie Pearson, Director of Corporate Affairs, shared her enthusiasm: “As the first tour of this scale, it was a thrill to see the reaction of the SPA members. These tours are crucial; they allow us to open our doors to visitors, build strong stakeholder relationships, introduce the team responsible for making the magic happen, and demonstrate the innovative and sustainable technology underpinning this mega project. We look forward to hosting the SPA again in 2026 to see the Mill fully operational.”

The consensus from the delegates, including SPA Chairman Tim Gray, was one of enlightenment and enthusiasm after seeing the scale and ambition of this project firsthand, commenting “Thank you to Shotton Mill and Eren Holding for their exceptional hospitality today. Our Members, and the SPA Committee, are hugely grateful. We leave enlightened and enthused, having seen first-hand the scale and ambition of this fantastic UK project in such a strategic location with a rich industrial heritage.”

Once fully complete, Shotton Mill will transform the UK packaging sector by manufacturing 750,000 tonnes of containerboard annually, using 100% recycled fibre and advanced, low-carbon energy technology.

We look forward to maintaining this valued partnership with the SPA as we move towards full operation.