Kimberly-Clark Australia’s $520M GDP boost and local job impact

Kimberly-Clark Australia emerges as a significant force in the nation’s manufacturing domain, injecting $520 million into the GDP annually while bolstering over 2,600 jobs locally.

The independent study, commissioned by Kimberly-Clark, sheds light on the profound impact of the company’s Millicent Mill, situated in the regional Limestone Coast of South Australia.

With estimated gross value outputs surpassing $400 million, the report underscores the Mill’s substantial annual contributions to both the regional and state economies, amounting to $172 million and $216 million, respectively.

Renowned for its premier personal care brands such as Kleenex, Huggies, U by Kotex, and VIVA, Kimberly-Clark Australia stands tall as one of South Australia’s largest employers, boasting a workforce of 462 individuals, comprising employees, contractors, and casuals.

The Mill extends its employment reach to around 219 individuals across interstate and overseas locations.

The company ranks among the foremost non-mining-based manufacturers in the state, churning out a staggering 85,000 tonnes of VIVA, Kleenex, and Scott products annually.

The report highlights several key facets of Kimberly-Clark’s impact, such as Kimberly-Clark Australia’s contributions include $520 million to Australia’s GDP, $216 million to South Australia’s GSP, and $172 million to the Limestone Coast’s GRP each year.

It noted that Millicent Mill alone upholds over 2,600 direct and indirect jobs in Australia, with 12 per cent of manufacturing roles in the Limestone Coast originating from the Mill. This translates to an annual wage payout of $247 million.

With an investment exceeding $750 million since its inception, the Mill demonstrates a commitment to innovation and sustainability, having reduced 457 tonnes of plastic in its packaging portfolio in 2022 and diverting 98 per cent of Mill waste away from landfills.

Belinda Driscoll, managing director at Kimberly-Clark ANZ, expressed pride in the report’s findings, affirming the company’s dedication to bolstering the manufacturing sector and retaining local jobs.

She emphasised, “Having operated in Australia for almost a century now, we remain committed to moving with the times, ensuring we can deliver on our global purpose of Better Care for a Better World.”

“This can manifest itself in many ways, whether that’s through attracting and retaining the best local talent, innovating and developing essential products for Australians, or by making a conscious effort to engage with the community around us and minimise our impact on the environment,” Driscoll noted.

Longtime Millicent Mill employee, Cameron Haggett, echoed Driscoll’s sentiments, reflecting on his 21-year tenure at the facility and the generational legacy it embodies.

He commended the Mill’s evolution, embracing technological advancements and workforce diversity, which have not only provided stable employment but also fostered a vibrant community spirit.