Ausco wins $36m BHP iron ore contract

BHP Billiton is ramping up its Pilbara iron ore expansion efforts with Ausco Modular today securing a $36 million contract to install a 1,200-bed village and central facilities in Yandi.

Ausco's latest contract is part of BHP's Rapid Growth Project 5.

The modular building supplier will start work on the village and facilities this month and hand over the completed project at the end of January next year.

Last month, BHP awarded a $500 million contract to a joint venture between Macmahon Holdings and Leighton Holdings while a $200 million contract was awarded to NRW Holdings, which was part of a consortium with John Holland and Laing O'Rourke Australia Construction.

The announcement is below:

Australia's largest modular building supplier has landed a $36 million contract to install a 1200-bed village and central facilities at BHP's Spinifex Ridge project in Yandi, north of Newman in Western Australia.

Ausco Modular will bring together a variety of trades to start work this month and hand over the completed project by the end of January 2010.

Ausco Modular West Australian regional manager James Rowdon said the company was selected because of its ability to deliver the higher-end, more technically complex projects.

"It is our job to help visualise the project and manage it until it's complete.

"Ausco is responsible for the entire village construction and fitting it all together," Mr Rowdon said.

"This is a very strategic and tactical operation that requires strong engineering and project management capabilities."

A team of around 50 people will work on the project including some sub-contractors for jobs such as construction of the central facilities, communication connections, and installing the pool.

Ausco Modular manufactured facilities such as the kitchen, gym, administration buildings, recreation room, internet room, and the tavern.

Mr Rowdon said the complex central facilities required the technical skill of Ausco Modular and will form the foundations of the entire village.

"This is a complicated building process that requires meticulous attention to detail and Ausco's expertise and knowledge to complete.

"Ausco Modular's strong national network of branches and suppliers enables fast and superior service and delivery of a project like this," he said.

BHP has raised the standards in appearance, location, and facilities for this village with an aim to cement this project as a flagship for future camps.

BHP designed the village and has entrusted Ausco Modular to bring it to life.

"Ausco was hired because of the company's experience and proven expertise in delivering complex projects such as this," Mr Rowdon said.

Ausco Modular is Australia's largest supplier of modular buildings with the largest hire and sale fleet of modular buildings nationwide.

The company operates a Build, Own, Operate program that offers CEOs flexibility and freedom in fitting out their camps.