Firm speeds up cash to contractors Refinery’s timely help

ZINC refinery Sun Metals is digging deep to help the region through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic as work on its $450 million expansion approaches peak construction.

The refinery has announced the fast-tracking of payments to contractors as well as other measures including community donations of hand sanitisers and a partnership with Townsville Enterprise to promote spending with local businesses.

The refinery is part way through a $450 million expansion to boost its production capacity by almost 30 per cent.

Sun Metals chief executive officer Ki Won Park said the expansion was progressing well and the firm was doing what it could to help businesses participating in the work.

“Normally, as with most businesses, we pay invoices within 30 days,” he said. “However, because of the impacts of COVID-19 and the desire to support the local Townsville economy, we have been paying invoices as soon as possible for local contractors.”

The company had also partnered with Townsville Enterprise to provide vouchers to its team members to encourage them to spend locally, and produced hand sanitiser for an aged care home.

“At one stage we were going through 10 litres of sanitiser a day,” Mr Park said.

“Our team were also keen to help out which is why we also turned our hands to creating some hand sanitiser.

“We partnered with Townsville City Council to get the sanitiser distributed to a seniors health facility here in Townsville.”

Mr Park said that, like other workplaces, it had introduced many changes.

Most involved making sure social distancing was observed.

“We had to split teams and have our administrative staff doing a five-day home and five-day work roster.”

Sun Metals announced the go-ahead for expansion in December 2018.

Mr Park said it was still looking to complete the project by mid next year.

“There’s been some bumps for all of us, with COVID, but we’re still looking at a completion date of second quarter next year,” he said.

At peak construction later this year, the project will create 350 jobs. While in operation, up to 100 ongoing jobs will be created in the refinery, and transport and logistics areas.

Mr Park said the workers would predominantly be locals so that the benefits stayed in the local community.

“This $450 million expansion is an investment in our employees’ future and is great news for Townsville and the greater Townsville region.”