At U.S. Borax, Finding Better Ways™ is more than a tagline. We’re creating programs designed to improve the communities in which we operate, including providing local economic advancement opportunities for small and diverse businesses. One way we’re doing this is through Rio Tinto’s supplier portal, Buy Local North America.
As part of Rio Tinto, we recognize that we’re in a unique position to stimulate economies, create jobs, and help local businesses grow.
What is the Buy Local North America supplier portal?
Our business and communities are stronger when we work together.
The Buy Local North America portal makes it easier for our California Operations sites to partner with local, Native American, and diverse suppliers to source the goods and services we need.
The portal enables you to express interest in procurement contracts and participate in our efforts to promote sustainable, local business growth.
Learn more about the program
Becoming a U.S. Borax supplier
If your small- to mid-size business is located near U.S. Borax’s operations in Wilmington or Boron, you may be eligible to apply for a supplier agreement. Every day, our operations source a range of products and services to help us fulfill our mission of providing materials that the world needs.
That includes suppliers and contractors specializing in:
- Equipment maintenance and repair
- HVAC
- Electrical
- General contractors
- Industrial cleaning
As part of the application process, we consider assessment criteria including safety, technical, local, Indigenous, and diverse criteria. Your business must meet Rio Tinto’s standard supplier onboarding and qualification criteria.
Watch this video for registration details
Benefits of Buy Local North America
Suppliers in the Buy Local North America portal enjoy several benefits on top of growing your business, including:
- Access to future procurement opportunities across the Rio Tinto supplier network
- Quicker payment turnaround times (within 20 days of receipt of a valid invoice)
- Ability to become a preferred local supplier through building a relationship with U.S. Borax procurement and operations teams
- Early visibility of upcoming opportunities through Expressions of Interest
- Being a contributor to local economic development and sustainability goals
Stories of success
We are proud to highlight these local businesses as examples of successful suppliers in our growing network.
Karl’s Hardware
Our operations are in a desert where temperatures can reach above 100 °F so hydration is a component to keeping our employees safe. This local home improvement store now supplies bottled water to our Boron mine and refinery.
The 20 Mule Team Cafe
Thanks to an innovative mobile app from the 20 Mule Team Cafe, employees at our Boron mine can enjoy the convenience of fresh meal options delivered right to their worksite.
CHS Industrial
Our new five-year agreement with CHS Industrial ensures high-quality industry cleaning services will remain at Boron.
“Businesses like 20 Mule Team Café, Karl’s Hardware, and CHS Industrial Cleaning are great examples of how local partnerships can be mutually beneficial,” says Paul Clarke, Business Partner, Procurement Atlantic. “We hope to see more suppliers in the Boron and Wilmington communities apply for opportunities with U.S. Borax.”
Apply today and become a trusted supplier
If you’re interested in partnering with U.S. Borax, please visit the supplier portal and apply today.
Know a great business that’s located near a Rio Tinto site in Arizona, Utah, or Chicago? Encourage them to visit the portal for opportunities.
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