Bismil Trading in Lae

By CLEMENT KAUPA
PORT Moresby-based work-wear and safety gear manufacturer Bismil Trading opened doors for business in Lae last week.
It is Bismil’s maiden step into the industrialised port city after 15 years of operation in PNG.
“We have been magnetised by Lae,” proprietor Sir Mekere Morauta said during a low-key ceremony last week that marked the opening of the company’s new office within the Steamships compound.
“Everything points to Lae.
“It is becoming the centre and magnetic point for businesses and industries in the country.”
 “It is the right place and we have made the right start.”
“Lae will eventually become the centre and Port Moresby will be the supplier.”
Currently the company has five embroidery machines, three being operated fulltime in Port Moresby and two recently imported for the Lae factory are still sitting in a container at the main wharf.
Sir Mekere said Bismil had diversified into many different operations but “bread and butter is still uniforms”.
Managing director Ikram Sahabdeen said the company maintained good relations with factories in China, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand for the import of materials.
Sahabdeen said the materials are imported from China at very competitive prices but it does not compromise on quality.
“Our work wear and uniforms meet the Australian standards,” he said.
Bismill was established in 1994 and was bought by Sir Mekere in 2006.
Sir Mekere said at the time there were 30 staff but now there are 100 national employees and 15 expats.
“And the turnover is now five times more,” he said.
“Maybe it reflects our skills or PNG is growing.
“Probably it’s both.”