HAZELL BROS OPTS FOR KOMATSU IN MAJOR PORT PIRIE CONTRACT FLEET

"We are a proud family company that has been built on the back of having dedicated and loyal people"

A fleet of 15 new Komatsu machines are key elements of Tasmanian-based family owned construction and resources company Hazell Bros recently awarded major materials handling contract for Nyrstar's lead smelter in Port Pirie, South Australia.

The contract covers the purchase, operation and maintenance of a fleet of 42 separate pieces of plant and equipment including wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks, excavators, skidsteers, water carts, sweepers and mobile crushing plants.

Included in this fleet are eight new Komatsu wheel loaders, ranging from WA200-6 to WA470-6, two HM300-2 and one HM400-2 articulated dump trucks, a P55MR-3, PC300-8 and PC350LC-8 excavator, and an SK820-5SF skidsteer.

The fleet, which has a combined value of over $8 million, forms an integral part of the plant's operations in the smelting and refining of lead.

Hazell Bros has a long relationship with Nyrstar, already undertaking contracts in vehicle operation and servicing at Nyrstar's Port Pire and Hobart facilities.

Managing Director Geoffrey Hazell said the company was delighted to be strengthening the relationship between Nyrstar and Hazell Bros with the awarding of this contract.

It provides employment to 63 people on site who will play an integral role in the operation of the Nyrstar facility, as well as being part of a family company.

"We are a proud family company that has been built on the back of having dedicated and loyal people who love working for the company, and key staff based in Tasmania have been integral in the bidding, setup and ongoing operation of this contract," Geoffrey said.

"Hazell Bros has been expanding on the mainland for the past three years, with operations now in Melbourne and the Gold Coast employing over 150 people."

"For the growth and success of Hazell Bros in the future, we are continuing to look outside of Tasmania for opportunities," he said.

Nyrstar's Hobart General Manager Jeremy Kouw said it was positive for Tasmania to see local businesses expanding across Australia.

"We work very closely with our contractors and it is positive for Tasmania to see local business benefit from our industry's regional operating footprint," Jeremy said.

Hazell Bros commenced the materials handling for Nyrstar Port Pirie on July 1, and will deliver a five-year contract.