We speak to Alvin Prasad, General Manager of Hardware Haus, regarding Papua New Guinea’s construction and mining retail industry and the company’s latest developments in the space.
INTRODUCTION
“Despite experiencing increasing pressure to transform our business to keep pace with rapidly evolving customer preferences, digital disruption and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, we are focused on pursuing long-term transactions for future business growth.”
This bold opening statement from Alvin Prasad, General Manager of Hardware Haus, reflects the fearless ambition and hunger for success in the face of adversity, that drives this essential cornerstone of the mining and construction industry across Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Hardware Haus has worked tirelessly to become the leading supplier and one-stop shop for hardware, building and mining supplies in PNG.
MINING NATIONAL POTENTIAL
Ever since 1970, the mining industry has dominated PNG’s national economy. The mineral exports that contribute to this dominant sector include the mass extraction of gold, copper, silver, nickel and cobalt.
PNG is home to a swathe of mines spread across the country, the largest of which include the Ok Tedi copper and gold mine, Porgera gold mine, Lihir gold mine, Hidden Valley gold mine, Simberi gold mine, Tolukuma gold mine, and Ramu nickel mine.
Far from smooth sailing, the mining sector continues to face a range of competing trends and the hurdles of a rapidly changing global business environment.
Against the challenging backdrop of commodity price fluctuations, miners must balance shareholder dividend expectations whilst maintaining an investment pipeline as operating costs increase.
Safety, environmental and community principles also continue to shape the mining industry in PNG as miners look to secure their licence to operate and deliver on corporate responsibilities.
In addition to the ongoing challenges present within the global mining landscape, mining companies in PNG must deal with additional complexities, such as balancing the government’s wishes for development, the requirements of communities and resource owners, and the battle for environmental sustainability.
Despite these copious obstacles, PNG is located in a highly prospective region and the opportunity for large-scale development is still significant.
PART OF THE CPL GROUP
The City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) Group stands proudly as PNG’s leading retailer since 1987.
Forming a crucial part of the CPL family of companies, Hardware Haus has grown to become the largest retailer within a highly competitive sector in PNG.
As the nation’s largest wholesale organisation, listed on the Port Moresby stock exchange, the company started as the City Pharmacy chain, bringing essential primary healthcare support to citizens across the nation.
CPL Group has established itself as one of PNG’s pre-eminent corporations through its strategic acquisitions of the Stop & Shop supermarket chain in Port Moresby in 2005 and similarly the Hardware Haus brand in 2009, continuing to partner with multiple brands ever since on its singular mission to bring new products and services to the people of PNG.
“Our expanded supplier network across both PNG and overseas gives us a unique competitive advantage with great pricing and a wider range for our customers,” adds Prasad.
Crucial to becoming one of the nation’s most trusted brands, the company has grown to include 13 shops nationwide.
TRUST IN CRUCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
The expansion achieved by Hardware Haus now adds up to represent a significant presence spread across PNG, including retail outlets in Port Moresby, Lae, Hagen, Goroka, Wewak, Maprik, Madang, Kavieng, Kokopo and Popondetta. This extended company footprint now sets Hardware Haus apart from its direct competitors as the brand can now be found in all major towns.
“We provide product expertise on various large to medium and small-scale projects. Hardware Haus is not just a store, it is where quality meets affordability,” Prasad tells us.
“What has been crucial for us is building a culture of trust by delivering honest feedback whilst also showing empathy at all times,” he outlines.
Elsewhere, Hardware Haus also continues to participate in carefully selected social initiatives, mainly engaging in charity work, improving its labour policies, and investing in environmentally conscious businesses to name a few.
A PROMISING FUTURE
In a world still recuperating from the traumatic effects on all industries in the wake of COVID-19, Hardware Haus is now implementing a strategic forecast and planning stage to identify and gain potential opportunities and growth despite the current global economic challenges.
The expert team at Hardware Haus is undoubtedly its greatest asset, so the company continues to invest in the growth and development of its staff members and leaders.
Committed to building a team that does the right thing for the surrounding communities, all shareholders and above all its customers, Hardware Haus also prides itself as an equal opportunities employer.
“Whether we’re looking to start a new venture or simply collaborate with another brand in the market, we need to prove ourselves to industry veterans,” Prasad tells us.
“Open communication is fostered, and we encourage everyone to be purpose-driven by delegating responsibilities and tasks, while at the same time supporting and rewarding growth opportunities. We believe in shaping our staff; thereafter, they shape us,” he adds.
As a purpose-driven company, Hardware Haus knows how vital it is to draw on shared values and behaviours in order to bring that collective purpose to life.
To help its team members and partners do that each day, the company adheres to a strict code of ethics which represents the values and the promises made to Hardware Haus’ guests, team, stakeholders, communities and the wider CPL Group brand. It is this dedication to high standards that ensures the future looks unanimously positive for this titan of the hardware retail sector in PNG.