Stories of hardship, hope and success were shared today in a small but significant commemoration to celebrate 40 years of Hargy Oil Palms production in PNG.
Established in 1978, the Hargy Oil Palms Limited has benefited over 60,000 people within the area served by Hargy Oil Palms.
The company has reached a number of milestones in its 40-year journey.
In all its years of operation, last year recorded a remarkable production, exporting US$ 112 million worth of sustainable palm oil to Europe.
General manager Graham King revealed the company is in the process of paying US$8 million (K25 million) to the PNG Government.
Hargy Oil Palms also provides direct employment to approximately 4,500 people.
Apart from successful massive production, exports and monetary success contributing to the national wallet, the business has benefitted the local communities.
“There are over 3,700 smallholder families who make up 42 percent of total production,” said King.
The oil palm company has also had a hand in infrastructure, health and education sectors in Bialla, West New Britain Province.
“In November last year we opened the Pata-Painave Primary School, a project in which Hargy Oil Palms partnered with the Australian Government and the Government of PNG in providing new facilities that will benefit many people in a very remote corner of East New Britain,” shared François Van Hoydonck, Chairman Hargy Oil Palms Ltd and Managing Director, SIPEF.
The 40th anniversary was commemorated with the release of a hardcover book.