Local businesses and suppliers have benefitted from multi-metals company Nyrstar over the past 12 months — with the company spending more than $126 million in the local region in the 2023 financial year.
This local procurement spend represents a 110 per cent increase since 2019 and more than 20 percent increase on the previous year.
Nyrstar Port Pirie General Manager Mark Eaton said partnering with local business is an important priority for the business whilst producing and refining metals critical for the future.
“We are proud of our Local Business Priority Program, and it has been exciting to see it grow year-on-year.
“Partnering locally for supply contracts has many benefits, not least the flexibility we have with our business partners, but many have also built up a detailed knowledge of our site, meaning they are each critical to the multi-generational importance of our operations,” said Eaton.
One Port Pirie business that recently had its supply contract to Nyrstar expanded upon is Mensland on Ellen Street.
Since 2020, Mensland has supplied Nyrstar with its corporate wear and other clothing and bathroom items such as towels, shampoo and soaps.
Not only has this contract recently extended until 2026, but it will also now include the supply of the coveralls for each Nyrstar employee and site contractor.
Mensland Owner Justin Turci says the growth in scope of work with Nyrstar meant he would soon be advertising for extra staff to add to his team of five.
“We’ll definitely be needing a couple of extra hands in our team as a result of winning this contract.
“Being so local to Nyrstar means we can respond and be flexible to business needs in quick time. The Mensland team are looking forward to working with Nyrstar for the next three years,” said Mr Turci.
Port Pirie Chair of Business Abby Zubrinich said Nyrstar is an excellent ambassador for local business in the region.
“Incorporating Nyrstar as both an esteemed ambassador and a significant procurer of Business Port Pirie Vouchers has made a substantial contribution to the success of this initiative.
“This collaboration has resulted in an increased expenditure among our members, a development that unequivocally enhances the program’s effectiveness,” said Miss Zubrinich.
Nyrstar Port Pirie’s spends locally on businesses operating within the local government areas of the Port Pirie Regional Council, the District Council of Mount Remarkable, and the Northern Areas Council.
Nyrstar’s financial year runs from 1 October to the end of September the following year.
