By Stephanie Froese

Suppliers optimistic for opportunities with mill

Jun 23, 2011 | 10:22 AM

The Prince Albert Pulp Mill won’t be up and running for a while, but some Prince Albert suppliers already have their foot in the door.

Contractors are seeking local business that have the machines and materials they need as construction and repairs begin at the mill.

RSC Equipment Rental is supplying generators and air compression equipment for one of the few contractors who have already been approved to work at the mill, said Rick Gurney, RSC Branch Manager.

Gurney said they haven’t rented any big equipment out yet, but they expect to get more business as the mill gets closer to opening.

“Right now were pretty optimistic that it’s going to be a pretty large opportunity for us as well as a lot of other businesses and companies in Prince Albert,” Gurney said.

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“We’re looking at it as a big deal just because it’s a whole industry that is coming back. Certainly we have the operation here in Prince Albert but all the support operations and the network that’s involved. I think that’s a very big deal.”

After the vendors forum this week saw more people attend then mill officials expected, Gurney said there may be quite a bit of healthy competition for local businesses.

“There’s a lot of interest and the size and the scope of the reclaiming operation out there, to refurbish the mill and make it ready to do what they wanted to do is going to create a lot of interest.”

In the end supply and demand will dictate weather there’s enough work for every interested business or if Prince Albert Pulp Inc. will have to start narrowing their choices, Gurney said.

“I think it will be a little of both. It’s going to be competitive and there is going to be some specialized requirements as well that only certain companies can do.”

With the level of interest he’s seen in the community Gurney said he doesn’t think Prince Albert Pulp Inc. will have any trouble finding businesses to provide whatever it is they need.

Perlitz & Son Trucking Ltd in Prince Albert is a hauling company hoping to get involved with the yet to be opened mill.

Fred Perlitz said the company hauled forest products for the old Prince Albert Mill for more than 30 years.

“We’ve still got two trucks and trailers. All they have to do is be washed up and they are ready to go.”

sfroese@panow.com