The new Wairiki Chip Mill will create employment for more than 150 people in Bua and surrounding areas.

The Mill which was officially opened by the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday took 15 years to finally materialise.

The Mill is expected to send its first shipment to Japan in June.

Bainimarama says the Mill is part of Government’s Look North Policy, targeted towards boosting economic growth in the Northern Division.

He says at the same time they are ensuring that local people get employment.

The Wairiki Chip Mill will operate 12 hours a day with an output three times more than the Chip mill in Drasa, Lautoka which operates 24 hours.