The impact of the coronavirus has reached the heart of Australian toilet paper production, causing fear and panic among the townsfolk residing in the vicinity of the manufacturing hub. Despite living just meters away from the mill responsible for producing toilet paper, residents of Millicent, located on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, have joined the nationwide trend of stockpiling essential items in response to the outbreak.
Millicent is home to a manufacturing facility owned by multinational company Kimberly-Clark, which has been operating in the area amidst global restructuring that led to the closure of its Ingleburn Mill in Sydney. While some production shifted to KCA facilities in Asia, local production of popular brands like Kleenex and VIVA continues at the Millicent mill. In light of the surging demand for toilet paper, the facility has increased its production to operate around the clock.
Local residents, including Millicent’s IGA manager Christine Gibbs, have witnessed a surge in customers purchasing larger quantities of toilet paper, with budget-friendly options being the most sought-after products. Despite the close proximity between the store and the Kimberly-Clark facility, toilet paper produced locally undergoes a roundabout journey before reaching the shelves, being transported to Adelaide suppliers before being distributed back to local stores.
While some retailers are struggling to keep up with the demand, managing director Alistair Schuller of Eudunda Farmers, overseeing multiple stores in regional South Australia, noted that only one of their sites experienced a significant impact. He observed a trend where customers who could afford to stockpile were the ones primarily engaging in panic buying.
The increased production at the Millicent mill has been a welcomed development for the town, with the local community viewing it as a positive economic boost. Kimberly-Clark’s commitment to ramping up operations in response to national demand has been met with appreciation by Millicent’s residents, including Wattle Range Council Mayor Des Noll, who emphasized the importance of the manufacturing facility in supporting the local economy.
While the circumstances leading to the heightened demand for toilet paper are unfortunate, the spotlight on Millicent and its manufacturing base has shed light on the town’s significance in the broader context of Australian industry. Mayor Noll expressed his pride in the community and its contributions to the country, highlighting the value of maintaining essential manufacturing operations within Australia.
In the midst of a global health crisis, the resilience and adaptability of local communities, such as Millicent, underscore the importance of domestic production capabilities and the role they play in ensuring the availability of essential goods for the population. As the world navigates through uncertain times, the response of towns like Millicent serves as a testament to the strength and solidarity of communities in facing unprecedented challenges.
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