Kimberly-Clark Australia contributes $520m to Australia’s GDP annually and supports over 2,600 direct and indirect jobs nationwide through its Millicent Mill in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia. 

As one of South Australia’s largest non-mining-based manufacturers, the Mill produces 85,000 tonnes of VIVA, Kleenex, and Scott essential paper products each year. 

12 per cent of full-time manufacturing roles in the Limestone Coast are provided by the Mill. 

Over $750 million has been invested into the Mill since it was first established in 1966.

A new report released has found Kimberly-Clark Australia to be a significant contributor to the nation’s manufacturing industry, adding $520m to GDP annually and supporting over 2,600 local jobs.

With outputs reaching an estimated gross value over $400 million, the independent report commissioned by Kimberly-Clark highlights the annual contribution of the company’s Millicent Mill to the regional Limestone Coast and South Australian state economies, generating $172 million and $216 million of value added, respectively.

Well-known for its leading personal care brands including Kleenex, Huggies, U by Kotex and VIVA, Kimberly-Clark Australia is one of the largest employers in South Australia, with 462 employees, contractors and casuals. The Mill generates employment for approximately 219 people in interstate and overseas locations. The company is also one of the largest non-mining-based manufacturers in the state, producing 85,000 tonnes of VIVA, Kleenex and Scott products each year.

Key highlights from the report, which include:

• Supporting the economy: Kimberly-Clark Australia contributes $520m to Australia’s GDP, $216m to South Australia’s GSP and $172m to the Limestone Coast’s GRP annually.
  • Putting this into perspective: The economic impact of Kimberly-Clark Australia to South Australia equates to 3 percent of the manufacturing value added to GSP.
• Keeping jobs in-market: Millicent Mill supports over 2,600 direct and indirect jobs in Australia, with 12 percent of manufacturing roles in the Limestone Coast provided by the Mill.
• How this equates for wages: The total number of jobs supported by Kimberly-Clark Australia accounts for $247 million in wages paid annually.
• Investment and innovation mindset: Over $750 million has been invested into the Mill since it was first established.
• Sustainable practices: Reduced 457 tonnes of plastic across the entire packaging portfolio in 2022, with 98% of Mill waste also diverted away from landfill.
• Making manufacturing more inclusive: Applications from women for production roles at Millicent Mill have gone from zero in 2019 to approx. 40% of new hires year on year. Millicent Mill has also increased female representation five-fold since 2019, from 12 to 60 employees.
• Strong retention rates: Over half of employees at Millicent Mill have worked there for 15 years or more.

Commenting on the report, Belinda Driscoll, Managing Director at Kimberly-Clark ANZ, said: 

“I’m incredibly proud to present this report, which showcases the solid and lasting impact Kimberly-Clark Australia, and its Millicent Mill has at a regional, state and national level. It demonstrates the business’ commitment to keeping manufacturing jobs and growing the sector.

“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. 

“As we look ahead, we’ll continue to do all we can to make further improvements that have a positive impact on the economy and local community we serve.” 

Machine operator Cameron Haggett has worked at Millicent Mill for over 21 years, following in the footsteps of his father Peter, who worked at Kimberly-Clark Australia for 33 years before retiring in 2011. He added: 

“I can only ever remember my dad as a shift worker at Kimberly-Clark when growing up, so it’s fair to say the company and Millicent Mill have been a big part of my life. 

“With new technology on-site and more diversity across the workforce, the Mill has changed a great deal since I first started in 2002, and it’s continued to upskill its employees and be an attractive option for local people – including my daughter Madi, who’s recently started out as a casual worker. 

“It’s pretty rare to have a large facility like the Mill in rural Australia, and in addition to providing stable job opportunities, the company supports a number of local sporting clubs and charities – which has a positive impact on the wider community. 

“Working at Kimberly-Clark has given me financial stability to support my family for over two decades – and I really enjoy the team atmosphere that the Mill provides too.”

More information about Kimberly-Clark Australia and its portfolio of personal care brands can be found here.