Operations Manager, Visy Smithfield (VP3 & 6)

Neil Louwrens began his career in the paper industry in 1994 as an Electrical Maintenance Engineer and has since built more than 30 years of experience across papermaking operations and leadership roles. He has held positions including Shift Manager, Production Manager, Plant Manager, and Manufacturing Manager across kraft linerboard, groundwood, and newsprint operations.

After immigrating to Australia in 2006, Neil held senior leadership roles with Visy, including leading major machine start-ups in Tumut and supporting Pratt Industries’ Shreveport mill in the USA. He currently serves as Operations Manager for Visy Smithfield (VP3 & 6).

Neil is passionate about operational excellence, developing people, and giving back to the industry.