Primero wrapping-up Wheatstone work

Engineering construction contractor Primero Group has entered into the final stages of its contract to build the domestic gas meter station at Chevron's Wheatstone project.

The company has moved into the testing and commissioning phase of the $2.5 million contract it was awarded in November last year, with work undertaken at the company's head office in Osborne Park and fabrication facility in Bibra Lake.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the contract had supported local jobs and created flow-on effects to local subcontractors and play an important role in supplying the future energy needs of the state.

"The work for the Wheatstone project has supported about 20 jobs and allowed Primero to invest in the training and development of graduate engineers and apprentice trades, as well as creating flow-on effects for other subcontractors in the area," Mr Mischin said.

"The meter station will connect and monitor the flow of gas from the 200 terajoule per day domestic gas plant via a pipeline to the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline."

Primero managing director Cameron Henry said the Meter Station contract was important on a number of fronts, allowing the company to support local industry through employment and subcontracting opportunities as well as demonstrating its capability as a supplier to the oil and gas industry in WA.

"The contract has enabled Primero to support existing jobs and continue to invest in the training and development of our graduate engineers and apprentice trades, preparing them for ongoing careers in the industry," said Mr Henry.

"In addition the work has allowed us to employ local labour and subcontractors, creating a flow-on effect of work for suppliers in the area, including Piv's Engineering.

"Piv's Engineering was employed to fabricate and install specific components and the Meter Station was assembled in its fabrication yard."

Domestic gas from the Wheatstone project is expected to flow from 2018.

Primero was a 2013 Business News Rising Stars winner.