Known for its dry climate, red earth, and rich mineral deposits, the Pilbara is Australia’s largest mining area. Perched on the edge of the Western desert is Newman, a company town servicing the entire region, including the Mount Whaleback open-cut iron ore mine.

Following an industry boom in the early 2010s, Higgins partnered with international machinery manufactures Liebherr Australia, to create a new storage and administrative hub amongst Newman’s industrial outskirts.

With a towering internal clearance of 12.6 metres, the 1,500sqm facility accommodates 9-metre-high pallet racking systems and serves as parts storage for mining equipment, including excavators and shovels. The complex also includes amenities, an administration area, a 2,000sqm external hardstand, and associated car parking.

Constructed to the title boundary, the facility meets stringent fire safety standards with a side sheathed in German-imported, four-hour fire-rated Hoersch Panels, complemented by Kingspan Insulated Panels elsewhere. We integrated a significant 250,000L water detention tank to support the fire hydrant system, adhering to local mandates.

The East Pilbara is one of the most extreme and isolated regions of Australia. Our project team overcame logistical hurdles and material sourcing challenges, attributed to the site’s remote location — 1,200km north of Perth and 600km southeast of Karratha. Resourcefulness in procurement from Perth was key. The combined efforts of our project management team in Brisbane and the on-site teams resulted in proactive scheduling. Strategic planning ensured timely material delivery and sourcing of skilled trades at critical junctures, showcasing our project’s resilience.