Joining forces with local partner Fremantle Steel

PERTH, Western Australia, 10 July 2012 - A key factor in Fortescue’s success is its close collaboration with local partners. Fremantle Steel Fabrication, one of the largest providers of pre-fabricated steel structures in Australia, has been involved in the development of Fortescue’s Herb Elliott Port since construction began in 2006.

By the time the multi-billion dollar expansion program is completed in early 2013, Fremantle Steel will have produced approximately 7,000 tonnes of fabricated steelwork, taking the total amount produced by local steel fabricators to 8,800 tonnes.

“Fremantle Steel is proud of its long association with Fortescue and looks forward to its continued involvement in the expansion of Herb Elliott Port,” Fremantle Steel General Manager Laurie D’Amato said.

Local content and the building of local business capacity are integral components of Fortescue’s commitment to enhancing the communities in which we operate.

In Fremantle Steel, Fortescue has partnered with a Western Australian company that has worked on some of Australia's most significant construction projects.

Fremantle Steel has fabricated and transported structural and mechanical steelwork for gold and nickel mines as well as LNG projects, not to mention commercial and industrial developments.

The company’s engineering workshops comprise covered working space of 20,000m2, which is equipped to accommodate the largest scale fabrication tasks.

With the use of a 3D modelling system and a barcode tracking system for identification and expediting, Fremantle Steel is able to provide traceability and control, ensuring Fortescue’s on-site requirements are met with exceptional quality.

Fortescue and Fremantle Steel’s shared commitment to safety has been a key factor in their close collaboration.

Fremantle Steel considers occupational safety and health an integral part of its vision and values and, like Fortescue, prides itself on its relationship with employees, contractors, customers and visitors.