Lae’s Voco Point opens new hardware

By GABRIEL LAHOC
THE Voco Point seafront in Lae, Morobe is experiencing a renaissance of business activities with the recently constructed Voco Point Hardware (VPH) officially opened last Saturday at a ceremony witnessed by members of the public, clients and customers.Operating as a subsidiary of Mukito Suppliers Ltd, VPH is a 100% nationally-owned hardware shop specialising in general, industrial, electrical and agricultural supplies.From humble beginnings in Goroka, VPH brings competition to other hardware suppliers in Lae, with a strong faith to provide the best service and prices to customers.The hardware shop may be small compared to other established hardware shops, however, the management is of the firm view that it is a very big achievement in terms of ownership and investment by any Papua New Guineans.“It’s a big achievement for all small nationally-owned businesses, as most times, these businesses have been overlooked by bigger foreign businesses,” proprietor Allan Mandi said.He started his business in 2004, from a start-up capital of K900, which he received as finish pay from another hardware shop.VPH is located at the junction of Frigate Street and Seagull Street, opposite Trends Beauty Saloon and The Nationals Lae bureau office, and has current staff strength of 20 working under manager Charlie Lapila.VPH promises very-competitive prices and services, which includes special deliveries, with major clients from the rural districts services in Eastern Highlands such as Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the University of Goroka.