New Zealand Steel’s Chief Executive Robin Davies says the project ticks many economic and environmental boxes, while fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility to provide long-term business and employment opportunities for future generations.
“One of the key benefits of the NZ Steel electric arc furnace is the ability for it to recycle significant tonnes of domestic scrap steel rather than that scrap being exported offshore (to be recycled by overseas mills) and the supply agreement announced today is the first step in realising this benefit.”
The electric arc furnace is an important step in our site transformation to a future hub of sustainable and complementary economic, environmental, and social enterprises built on local and international partnerships.
Owner of GMS, Craig Tuhoro, says having worked in the industry his whole life he never shies away from the fact it’s a tough industry to be in because you are competing globally.
It was 12 years ago that Craig decided the time was right to take a leap of faith and forge his own pathway and set up his own scrap recycling business.
“One of the main driving factors for me at that time was to create opportunities for employment for members of my family who had been made redundant. I wanted to ensure my family and wider whānau would have opportunities for employment in the industry for generations to come.
“We were always looking for more work so we can employ more of our people, this arrangement with NZ Steel paves the way for this to continue and provides certainty and stability for our business into the future.
Craig speaks proudly of the special whānau culture that has evolved over the years. He’s committed to helping Māori youth progress into the workforce, which has included an innovative partnership with Ngāti Tamaoho when the Papakura yard first opened in 2020.
“Some of our kids have issues, we know that. We aren’t frightened of getting these kids over those hurdles.
GMS also has branches in Hamilton and New Plymouth and employs 67 people nationwide. Founded in 2011, the management of Global Metal Solutions has multi-generational combined experience working in the metal recycling industry. Their ISO certifications are evidence of its team’s high level of commitment to quality, onsite health and safety and the environment.
“I’m delighted to welcome Craig and his team at GMS into the expanding partnership responsible for delivering one of the country’s largest carbon emissions reduction projects” says Mr Davies.
MP for Port Waikato, Hon. Andrew Bayly, says he is pleased to see NZ Steel collaborating with GMS. “NZ Steel is already the region’s biggest employer, but the relationship with GMS will open up even more opportunities for local people to get involved with working with a multinational company.”.
