NIP firm expands operations

 By GYNNIE KERO

NEW Ireland-based Anitua Constructions has commenced operations in Port Moresby from its premises at 6-Mile, executive director Colin Vale says. 

This is understood to be part of the group’s plans to expand some of its business arms outside of Lihir Island.

Vale said: “It’s ‘all systems go’ at the new Port Moresby office as jobs come in and continue to be sought, accounts with local suppliers are established, and local contractors that may be able to assist in current and future works are identified.”

Senior operations manager Paul Thorpe said he is “out and about meeting clients and building relationships” while simultaneously mapping 

out construction plans for six houses that Anitua Constructions will be building at 7-Mile towards the end of the year.”

In coming months, Thorpe will be overseeing the Port Moresby operations and managing a team of staff drawn from Lihir as well as new recruits from the mainland. 

Anitua Hardware has opened up two new stores in Port Moresby and Lae. 

Vale said the first, at the Malahang Industrial Centre in Lae, is taking advantage of the Momase and Highlands regions’ demand for building materials. 

“More of a wholesaler operation servicing trades people and other businesses, the Lae store stocks top of the range imported building materials from Australia, America, China and PNG as well as a range of tools, paints and typical hardware products,” he said.

The Port Moresby store is located between the airport and town on Tamara Road, 6-Mile surrounded by several other businesses that draw hardware-buying customers to the area. 

Vale said Anitua Hardware has negotiated the sole distributor rights for Luxury Paints in the country and not surprisingly paint sales form a considerable part of the capital city’s business. 

“Great quality plumbing supplies are another specialty area for the Port Moresby store and the new business stocks a wide range of standard hardware products for both retail customers and tradespeople.”

Anitua’s businesses includes corporate services, farms, investments, mining services, properties, security services, supermarket, NCS Holdings, among others.

The total value of Anitua’s assets in Papua New Guinea and Australia is estimated at K80 million, employing 4000 staff.