Before PNPs commencement, Ian Barnard & Steve Versteegen were colleagues of a National mining equipment hire company.
At the time, many companies provided dry hire to the surface mining industry. However, underground mining equipment seemed less abundant. Additionally, when it came to reliable and consistent maintenance, suppliers and renters were facing considerable challenges.
Armed with a customer satisfaction orientation and an entrepreneurial spirit, both Ian & Steve saw a definite gap in the market. They knew that by focusing on the underground sector, they'd be able to provide a valuable service and carve out a solid niche.
According to Ian,
"It was clear that the underground environment bought with it some challenges. The generic rental terms and conditions bourn from the more common surface rental sector were not appropriate when applied to underground equipment.
Without intimate knowledge of the operating environment, and putting a detailed and fair hire agreement in place, it was bound to create confusion and tension with clients.
From the outset, we wanted to maintain a high level of quality control relating to the field support we delivered to our clients. Rather than relying on third parties to manage breakdowns, we installed our infrastructure, components, parts inventory, maintenance staff and workshops. Such an approach quickly set us apart from our competitors, and our maintenance focus self-sufficiency has remained to this day."
Subsequent years saw the company position itself within the underground hard-rock mining industry as being an agile, go-to for solving problems.
Steve says,
"As our business evolved, it became apparent that the needs of our mining partners were ever-changing. They required multiple levels of support at different times, in various areas of their operations.
Rather than apply a 'one size fits all' approach, we've continued to focus on diversifying our service offering and maintaining quality, via vertical integration.
That customer orientation ensures PNP upholds a 'solutions-based, best for project' mindset; working with our partners to help reach their goals."
As a mining services provider over the past two decades, it's clear that PNP has attained considerable growth ; none of which would have been possible without a customer 1st focus.
Pit N Portal is formed in the heart of the Western Australian Goldfields by Ian Barnard & Steve Versteegen.
At the time, the company focused primarily on equipment hire and maintenance.
PNP awarded its 1st contract to supply underground equipment to a prominent goldfields mine-site.
The business operated from its Kalgoorlie office, servicing the greater region.
PNPs rapid expansion saw it obtain its first workshop in Felspar Street Welshpool.
The company hires its first employees
and within two years, PNP had outgrown the Felspar St Workshop.
Increasing demand for its services saw PNP needing to move to new facilities, located in Division Street Welshpool.
With a more extensive workshop, multiple bays and overhead cranes, the company was poised to cement itself into the underground mining industry.
By the end of 2006, the company had expanded over 40 Full-time employees.
By this stage, PNPs rental fleet had grown to over 100 units; making it one of Australia's largest underground hard-rock hire companies.
With machines on hire in every state in Australia, a small contingent in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, the company provided many benefits to its growing list of clients.
Expanding its Goldfields footprint further, PNP moved into a full service workshop & regional branch in Kalgoorlie.
At this time the company's field services units numbered over 10; comprised of auto electrical, boiler making and mechanical trades.
Won large contract to supply entire mining fleet and on-site maintenance services to a major Goldfields mine site.
Second major equipment and onsite maintenance contract won at remote Murchison WA location.
Moved to brand new purpose built facility Maddington, 7800m2 block with two dedicated workshops for both fabrication and mechanical repairs.
Mining Services division is formed with the first of multiple mining contracts won.
Full time employees at this stage numbered more than 150 skilled workers.
Purchased current Kalgoorlie premises in Broadwood to satisfy workshop and lay down requirements, due to the rapid growth of Mining Services.
Operating four major mining services contracts, 250 full time employees.
PNP is acquired by Emeco Group
The merger allows Emeco to leverage its current core capabilities of managing, maintaining and renting equipment (including rebuilds) & expand into the underground market.
With a reach that extends across the nation, many Global Mining Houses and Australian underground mining companies use PNP to augment their fleet, plant, labour & operations.
Pit N Portal is always open to new partnership opportunities with small, medium or large operators seeking safe, efficient and effective solutions. More than just mining equipment suppliers, PNPs capabilities include the following:
To speak with one of our business development managers, get in touch.
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More than just a valuable asset, PNPs people are considered the lifeblood of the organisation.
The company engenders business & industry sustainability by offering student work experience programs, traineeships, trade apprenticeships, mining graduate intakes, supervisory and leadership development.
With an inclusive culture, embracing diversity & gender equality; PNP prides itself as being a'great place to work'. Additionally, the company's industry-leading retention rate and minimal lost time due to illness or injury proves that PNP walks the talk.
Working in unison to deliver safe & efficient production, PNPs employees are solution focused, team orientated and results driven.
The points illustrated above, are the embodiment of Pit N Portal's Mission, Vision and Values, as indicated below.
Our Mission
Pit N Portal is a reliable and respected mining solutions provider. By applying a partnership model, we develop and nurture our business relationships; producing valuable, viable and sustainable alternatives for the industry.
Our Vision
To be the most highly respected, preferred solution underground.
Our Values
Solutions Orientated
Agile
Conscientious & Mindful
Respectful
To produce an exceptional client experience, PNP employs a team of mining professionals who possess a diverse range of valuable skills. They demonstrate a broad and applied comprehension of the challenges faced in the delivery of remote mining services.
From Operations to Information Technology, Pit N Portal is an integrated force that pro-actively applies its proven systems, experienced personnel and quality equipment to deliver client success.
