Redspear wins Fortescue contract

Local indigenous business Redspear Safety has won a contract to supply lifting and rigging equipment across all Fortescue Metals Group operational sites, for an undisclosed sum.

Redspear will also have the opportunity to apply for 14-day payment terms, under a new business initiative announced this month to ease pressure on Aboriginal and Pilbara-based suppliers.

Redspear managing director Barry McGuire said the contract made Fortescue the first major player in the industry to give Redspear the opportunity to provide business critical services.

“This has given us the confidence that we are able to compete with some of the largest names in lifting and rigging in Australia and beyond,” he said.

“We thank Fortescue for the opportunity to show our young people that with hard work, perseverance and support from the right partner, everything is possible.”

The value of the contract was not disclosed.

Initiatives such as Fortescue’s Billion Opportunities program provide encouragement to small businesses to build capability and capacity. Since its inception in 2011, the program has awarded 240 contracts and sub contracts worth $1.8 billion to 103 Aboriginal-owned businesses and joint ventures.

“By facilitating strong businesses we are creating more jobs and development opportunities for Aboriginal Australians, which are in turn changing lives and helping to build stronger communities,” Fortescue chief executive Nev Power said.

Redspear's Francois Witbooi was a 2017 40under40 winner.