OREANDA-NEWS. Some of the hundreds of local businesses that supply Bengalla mine are gearing up to put on a show at its Community Open Day this Saturday.

From 10am until 2pm, the Muswellbrook Showgrounds will come to life with stalls and displays featuring mining equipment and service providers from the many local businesses that supply Bengalla mine.

Last year Bengalla spent USD 145 million on more than 260 suppliers in the Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Maitland and Cessnock local government areas.

Hitachi's Muswellbrook branch services the greater Hunter Valley mining region and has been working with Bengalla mine since it first started production 15 years ago.

Hitachi Construction Machinery's Jason Gleeson said "The Bengalla Community Open Day is a great chance to show the local community and families what we do and what part we play in supporting Bengalla.

"We have had a long term and valued relationship with Bengalla and their support has helped to grow our business to the point where we currently employ over 170 people in our Muswellbrook branch operation. Many of these people live locally so the Community Day also gives us a chance to give something small back to those that so strongly support us.

"We would love to have Hitachi Rigid Dump Trucks and Hydraulic Excavators on display but for those who book on the mine site tour they will realise that finding parking for them at the Showground might get a bit tricky. What you will see at the Hitachi stand are some smaller scale models and videos of our machines that will show people what role they play on a mine site."

Bengalla General Manager Operations Jo-Anne Scarini said "The Community Day is about opening our doors so people get to know a bit more about us and the businesses we work with to contribute to the Upper Hunter.

"We are thrilled with the uptake from local businesses wanting to highlight their role with the community at our open day.

"Hitachi is just one of our suppliers who will be on hand to talk about the work they do with Bengalla and in the community. Many members of our team will also be available to talk about how the mine works.

"Whether it's to learn more about local suppliers, watch the Westpac Rescue Helicopter land at 11am, enjoy the free barbeque, have fun with the kids or go on one of the mine tours, we hope to see everyone there and enjoying what our community day has to offer."