As construction progresses on its $500 million glass recycling and remanufacturing facility at Yatala in Queensland, Visy is ramping up efforts to prepare the workforce that will operate the site.
The company reports that seven cohorts of new employees across maintenance and operations are currently undertaking a purpose-built training program, with a further four cohorts scheduled to begin from May. Delivered over 10–16 weeks, the program combines structured onboarding with hands-on learning to equip recruits with the skills required for glass packaging production.
Training includes a blended approach of classroom sessions, online modules, virtual reality simulations, and practical experience at Visy’s existing South Brisbane glass facility. The focus is on building both technical capability and operational confidence ahead of commissioning.
“Our new team is engaged and eager to learn and are being supported by dedicated trainers, as they prepare for their operational roles at our new glass site,” said Alison Elliott, training manager at Visy.
“By investing early in our team, we are ensuring they are ready to make glass packaging for Australia’s food and beverage brands in a safe, reliable and sustainable way.”
The training initiative comes as Visy advances construction of what it describes as its largest ever investment. The Yatala facility, located at Stapylton south of Brisbane, is designed to recycle up to 200,000 tonnes of glass annually and produce around one billion bottles each year.
Once operational, the plant is expected to lift average recycled glass content across Visy’s manufacturing network to 70 per cent, while reducing the need to transport approximately 40,000 tonnes of glass into Queensland. The site will incorporate optical sorting technology to process glass down to 3 mm cullet, alongside oxygen-fuelled furnaces and cullet pre-heating systems aimed at lowering emissions compared with conventional glassmaking.
The development will form part of a broader beverage container precinct, co-located with Visy’s existing box factory and beverage can plant, and is backed by long-term supply agreements with major beverage producers including Asahi, Lion, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and Coca-Cola.
The project is expected to generate more than 600 construction jobs and around 200 ongoing roles once the facility becomes operational.
