A LOCALLY-owned company, Niugini Building Supplies (NBS), opened its new K1.5 million hardware complex at Laurabada avenue in Lae last Friday.
Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, who cut the ribbon, encouraged businessmen to set up more establishments to serve Lae, Momase and the Highlands.
“It is the wish of my government to create a healthy economic climate to encourage more companies to come and open up their business in Lae,” he said.
He said he would ask the National Government to release K50 million to fix up Lae roads and also call on the media to report positively on the development issues in Lae.
“The land at the old airport will be sub-divided and leased out to various companies to open up their businesses,” Mr Wenge said.
NBS managing director John Bori said the company opened a small hardware store in Mt Hagen in 1988 to serve the Highlands region, which now marks its 20th year.
“This new complex is an important investment for NBS and becomes our second hardware store and distribution centre that will serve the people of Momase region and other centres,” Mr Bori said.
He was grateful for the support given by the provincial government to emerging national enterprises such as his.
NBS had an office at Seagull Street in Lae in 1995 but the location was not easily accessible to customers.
The new store is located on a 1,300 sqm land at Laurabada Avenue.