Alaska-based engineering and construction firm NANA Development Corporation’s Australian subsidiary has signed a landmark alliance with Pilbara-based indigenous firm PLWA Group, giving it access to a ready-made workforce and enhancing its capacity to bid for large projects.
NANA Australia chief executive Simon Haigh said the alliance, which was NANA’s first such agreement, would focus on construction and facilities management, with modular and camp construction a high priority.
“We anticipate this contract will be the first of many with both indigenous and non-indigenous companies in Australia,” Mr Haigh said.
PLWA group business manager Geoff Stocker said the alliance was an excellent fit both culturally and commercially.
“We are very optimistic about the opportunities to replicate the success NDC has enjoyed in the US.”
NANA Development Corporation is the business arm of the $US1.8 billion Alaskan native-owned NANA Regional Corporation.
It employs more than 11,000 people worldwide in the mining, oil and gas, engineering and construction, facilities management, logistics and telecommunications sectors.
Its operations include Alaskan oil field services as well as ownership of one of the world’s largest zinc mines, where NDC has created a suite of subsidiaries to service the mine and provide opportunities for its indigenous owners.
