Pilbara Rail Maintenance Co-Founder Director Chris Prior wins 40under40 award

• Chris Prior wins WA Business News 40Under40 Award
• Awards recognise exceptional business leadership and innovation for professionals aged under 40.
• Since 2018, PRM has grown to employ more than 200 people and service some of Australia’s largest mining and construction companies.

Karratha-based Pilbara Rail Maintenance (PRM) is proud to announce that Co-Founder and Director Chris Prior has been named a winner of the prestigious WA Business News 40under40 Award.

The 40under40 Awards recognise Western Australia’s leading entrepreneurs and business leaders under the age of 40 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and success in their field.

Chris was among the 40 winners unveiled at a gala event at Crown Perth on Friday night.

Chris started out as a FIFO rail technician and rose through the ranks to become the Operations Manager at Fluor Corporation. He launched PRM in 2018, with the company since expanding its operations to service some of Australia’s largest mining and construction companies including Rio Tinto, BHP, FMG, Roy Hill, John Holland and Aurizon, among others.

PRM today employs over 200 people to deliver specialist rail infrastructure services vital to the mining industry and the Western Australian economy.

Chris also co-founded Red Rock Engineering (RRE), a rapidly growing engineering and fabrication business with around 100 employees. The company recently expanding into the LNG sector, providing support to the Pluto LNG project. Chis is an active Director of RRE, advising on corporate strategy, growth and development.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognised among such a talented group of business leaders,” said Chris.

“I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of our team, who have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. We will continue to strive for excellence and deliver exceptional results for our clients and the community.”

In addition to business success, Chris is actively working towards increasing diversity and participation in the rail industry by offering training and development opportunities for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and women. Both PRM and RRE have facilitated dozens of individuals to obtain the qualifications necessary to become rail technicians, including those with literacy challenges and no prior experience.

“We are committed to not only delivering a superior service to our clients, but also making a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are proud to have increased participation of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and women in the rail industry. It’s important to us to create a more diverse and inclusive industry and we will continue to do our part in supporting local communities.”