A TRAFFORD mill was visited by its MP to discuss the future of the industry.

SAICA Paper recently welcomed Kate Green, MP for Stretford and Urmston, to its PM-11 site in Carrington.

Donning protective clothes and boots, she was given a guided tour of the control room to see first-hand its technical capabilities and innovations.

Following the tour of the control room, Ms Green then took part in a round table discussion on a number of issues, including the challenges and opportunities currently facing the industry following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

Ramon Alejandro, president of the SAICA Group, said: “We were delighted to welcome Kate Green MP to PM-11 and show her around our new state-of-the-art control room. SAICA’s place within the Carrington community is very important to us and it was great to be able to give our local MP a live demonstration of the high-tech equipment.

“As a global packaging company committed to investing into the UK, it was fascinating to hear Ms Green’s views facing our sector and the wider industry at the moment. We are currently investing over 60million Euros directly into the UK as part of our Renove investment plan.”

Pasi Hayrynen, SAICA’s plant manager said: “It was great to listen to Ms Green’s views and to discuss the issues facing both our sector and the people of Carrington at the moment.”

The PM-11 mill employs state-of-the-art technologies to minimise the environmental impact of producing container board papers and is designed to use 40 per cent less water and 50 per cent less electricity per tonne of paper than the industry’s guidelines.

Ms Green said: "I enjoyed my visit to Saica paper Mill. It was really interesting to hear about how their systems and procedures had managed to bring under control a large fire in the mill which took place in June. I also heard about the training volunteer staff receive in tackling fires. I was very impressed at their bravery and skill.

"I was pleased to hear that Saica have made a substantial investment in the mill in Partington, good news when the UK overall has seen a substantial decline in the number of paper mills."