Investing in the future
Investing in the future
Multi-million investment ensures strong future
Company directors, Robbie and Mark Johnson follow on from their father, Denis as they continue the name behind JT Johnson & Sons a family owned business now in its fourth generation.
JT Johnson & Sons have doubled their Kapunda based feed mill capacity with an $18 million investment set to ensure the family owned business will thrive for generations to come. It is the third major mill upgrade in the company’s history, with this latest, state of the art facility now able to meet growing markets in China, Asia and the Middle East. Mr Denis Johnson, who retired as director three years ago but remains on the board in a consultancy role, said it’s 40 years ago when Johnson’s first began in the pelleting industry. “Dad built the first pellet mill in 1976,” he said. “We went from Old Adelaide Road over to here in 1984 where we built the second mill. We upgraded that one a few times and now this one is a complete overhaul, it’s basically another brand new feed mill.” He said he is proud of what the company has achieved and admits to being envious. “I feel very jealous!” he laughed. “Technology has gone a long way in 40 years. What we have built here is the latest in feed mill technology. “As someone who sits back and watches what’s going on, it’s a fantastic set up and it is going to be really, really good. “Credit goes not only to our staff, but also to LGPM and the Ahrens Group for all the work they have put in.” The old mill had to keep running whilst the new mill was built around it, literally swallowing up the smaller, outdated plant within.
Johnson’s are leading manufacturers and marketers of animal stockfeed throughout Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, South East Asia and the Middle East. Our innovative technology, feedsafe and ecosafe quality control systems ensure our customers receive the best quality product and service available.
4 Perry Road, Kapunda | Ph. 8566 2204 | www.jtj.com.au | e: sales@jtj.com.au 2 - J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016
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Mark, Robbie and all the team at Johnsons would like to thank our commercial partners who have helped deliver the pellet mill project and look forward to their continued support for years to come. Particular thanks to the Ahrens Group and LGPM for their hard work and dedication over the past 12 months.
Investing in the future A new generation of pellet production “It’s a unique project and probably a tough one too. They’ve all done a really good job to get it to where it is today.” Denis is proud to see his sons, company directors, Robbie and Mark, writing the next chapter in Johnson’s quality feed pellet production. “The capacity we did at the first mill was about four tonne an hour and now it’s got the capacity to do
30 tonnes an hour. “We see, going forward, that it’s going to be fantastic not only for the company and employees, but also the farming community in general and the state economy which needs a bit of a kick at the moment. “We are very confident in our business... we think the market, both domestically and overseas, is going to be very good, particularly
for cattle and sheep.” With advances in technology, which were unimaginable four decades ago, the mill is set to service customers for many decades. “Hopefully, it’s going to be there for the next generation, not just for the family, but also the town and employees for many years to come,” Denis said.
New technology delivers best quality
Mark Mickan, Johnson’s production manager in the feed mill.
There are exciting times ahead for JT Johnson & Sons says production manager, Mr Mark Mickan. “We’ve doubled the capacity of the mill from 100,000 to 200,000 tonne and have a new state of the art facility that is going to give us better quality pellets,” he said. “We’ve got better feed coming into our presses through double conditioning and that’s going to help us put it through the dies and give the customer a better product and help us to be able to move forward into the future and meet customer’s requirements.” With three presses now in operation, as opposed to the two of the previous mill, the process is more efficient than ever. Mark describes the pelleting process like making a cake. “You have a variety of ingredients to make whatever sort of cake you want. The process is even similar in that we get the raw products, they go into a mixing bin, they are all mixed up and then we add
things like molasses for nutritional value and moisture. Then it’s run through steam, pushed through dies and when it’s formed, it’s cooled like you would biscuits or a cake. “Then they are coated which is like the icing, the crumbs are taken out so they look nice and then they are transported off.” Whilst he said the comparison “might sound a little silly”, there were many similarities when it came to creating the right “recipes”. Ingredients in pellets ordered for the race horse industry, for example, is completely different to that needed by Northern Territory cattle. “We can adjust the rations to suit what the client wants,” said Mark. “We coat the pellets with a liquid called ‘molafos’ to make them more palatable for the animals to eat. “All the pellets are made with the same meticulous measurements as the food that you or I would eat.” Mark said farmers would also benefit from the new mill.
“We do use a certain amount of product which would otherwise be waste. A big part of the pellet is crushed almond shell for roughage and rather than saying to a farmer, sorry your hay is not up to export quality, we can use it in the pellet mill.” Quality is assured, with staff testing pellets every hour and keeping exact records to ensure consistency in all the premium products the Johnson’s brand is renowned for. “It eliminates the risk of error and by doing hourly testing, there’s confirmation all the time that we are maintaining that high standard. “The priorities of the business are the safety of the men, the environment we work and live in and customer service. “Production is important, but production won’t happen at the cost of those priorities. “Ultimately, we want to make a nice,presentable pellet for the customer and uphold Johnson’s as a quality brand that can be trusted.”
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J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016 - 3
Investing in the future
Kapunda company exporting to the world The JT Johnson & Sons new feed mill will capitalise on Australia’s international reputation for being clean and green. Director, Robbie Johnson is in charge of the pellet side of the business, including sales, and said his team could now be “a lot more proactive” in certain markets because new technology meant greater efficiency and the ability to meet demand. Whilst the investment has nearly tipped the
$18 million mark, Robbie said it was a reflection of the confidence that Johnson’s had in the market. “We should be able to compete a lot better, not just in Australia, but also around the world,” he said. Having witnessed significant growth in the past 3-4 years in both the hay and pellet markets, Robbie said quality feed is in demand, especially in Asia where protein like beef and lamb is
Robbie admits there are places they could “get things cheap”, but they always chose to support local wherever possible, whether it be buying a pen, going out for a counter meal, or supporting local trucking companies. “What the community can see, by Johnson’s building a new mill and pretty much trying to double our capacity in that area, is that it brings more people into town. It doesn’t matter if it is a farmer, a truck driver, a rep, or business people from China, Japan or the Middle East, they’ll go and stay out at the caravan park, go to the servos, bakery, pubs. “Not just the Kapunda community, the Barossa too, people stay there. So it brings a little bit of money back into the Barossa and Light communities.” Robbie is proud of Johnson’s strong relationships within the region and is looking forward to them continuing well into the future. “We are a fourth generation family business and have been dealing with a lot of farmers from Freeling and Kapunda who are in their fourth generation. “The community to us is really important, the town itself has been great for our family who have worked here and The Light Regional Council has been really excellent. “We want to keep growing, to have really good quality manufacturing, safe, clean facilities, and, most importantly for the community, we are employing more skilled labour. “We are committed to Kapunda.”
Johnson’s is committed to Kapunda says director, Robbie Johnson. SW4496
JT Johnson & Sons’ executive team: Tom Leslie, finance manager; Darren White, sales and marketing manager; Andrew Hayward, general manager.
growing in popularity. “Indonesia, China and the Middle East are the three markets that are growing,” he said. “We are known for good quality and being clean and green, that’s what overseas people see. “They invest in cattle and sheep and obviously our feed ticks all the right boxes.” Domestic markets are also on the increase and the old mill was struggling to keep up with orders. “It got hard for people and they had to buy from interstate, so far away, just to buy pellets,” said Robbie. “We needed to expand, otherwise another investor would have come in. It’s a small industry in some ways, you can’t have too many of us. “Demand for just good quality feeds has grown, people are doing quite well out of their cattle, numbers are quite low at the moment, but people are re-stocking, they are making money which is great, so they are happy to spend some money on feed.” Expanding in Kapunda is integral to the Johnson family vision. “We’ve been here since 1957, in everything that we do, we support the community - the sporting clubs, hospital, schools, kindergarten... That’s what we like to do and we’d even like to get better and stronger in those areas. “It’s part of our vision and that’s what we teach anyone who comes into our management team.”
Congratulations JT Johnson & Sons on your recent expansion 246 Grand Junction Road Athol Park, SA 5012 Ph: +618 8341 0177 Fax: +618 8341 1955 www.torqind.com Email: sales@torqind.com ABN 45 780 120 337 4 - J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016
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Investing in the future
Weighbridge operator, Greg Rawady tests another semi load enroute to Johnson’s.
James Zivic, Robert Diekman, purchasing manager; and Pete Marshall in the hay sample room.
Farmers set to benefit says long time Johnson’s employee Kapunda’s Robert Diekman has been with Johnson’s for 32 years now, the past 16 working as purchasing manager. He said the new feed mill provided a “winwin” situation for the company, community and primary producers. “It’s absolutely good news for farmers,” said Robert. “What it means is that we will be buying more product. Once the mill is fully up and running and the sales are there, we will probably be buying twice as much as we would normally buy.” Purchasing all the hay and straw for export as well as the raw materials needed for the
extensive pellet feed range, Robert can see the benefit a locally based manufacturer like Johnson’s can provide to suppliers in the region. “Just having a feed mill in the district is good because we can handle lesser quality grains and we buy by-products that you wouldn’t normally be able to get rid of, like oat meal and almond shells. “It’s a big out for a lot of the farmers, there’s no doubt about that...I get a lot of phone calls!” The father of three has raised his family in the community, has witnessed Johnson’s on-going sponsorship of sporting clubs and organisations
and is well aware of the company’s importance in the town. “I don’t think a lot of people in Kapunda realise how big this place is because we do fly under the radar a little bit,” explained Robert. “If it wasn’t for Johnson’s, the town would be struggling a bit I think. It’s a big company, it moves a lot of product, employs a lot of people. Not just us, transport drivers, fuel company’s... the farmers. “We probably have a minimum of around 150 regular farmers we deal with - that’s for both export and the pellet mill. “I’m now buying from the sons of the guys
who I first started buying from, we’ve got some farmers who would be third generation supplying Johnson’s.” Working for a family owned business for more than three decades, Robert is one of “a lot of guys” who have been employed at the company for more than 20 years. “It’s just a good company to work for and I enjoy working with farmers. You wouldn’t do it if you didn’t like it, it gets a bit stressful when you are under the pump at this time of year, but it’s all good. “And you pick out the places you go to around morning tea time that you know have the best cake!”
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reduced the amount of trips.” Johnson’s were grateful for the support shown by the community and Light Regional Council during the planning and building process. “We’ve been working with Council to get the best result for us and the community,” Andrew said. “Not only on the project, but also on the roads to get trucks out of the main street. “We employ 85 people and we want to maintain that presence in the town, we don’t want to move out of Kapunda so that’s why we have invested heavily into this project and we have to keep that in mind when working with the council and other regulatory bodies to make sure we comply.”
Driver, Greg Higgins and the Johnson’s truck loaded for the next delivery.
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technology has increased the facility’s power efficiency and a change in the way pellets are loaded for transport has also contributed to a cleaner, greener manufacturing process. “We have loading socks basically a tube that comes down to stop the dust flowing.” The feed mill itself has insulated walls to minimise noise and during the past 18 months, traffic congestion has also reduced. “We’ve reduced the amount of container traffic by half by increasing the size of the trucks. “By increasing the size of the operation, getting B Double and A Double trucks for our hay business, the bigger trucks have
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Latest technology ensures best practice in pellet milling for Johnson’s and general manager, Mr Andrew Hayward said the company had gone “above and beyond”when it came to minimising the impact the new facility had on its surrounds. “We’ve changed the way we do everything to reduce the dust, noise and impact of traffic on the corner of Perry Road and Adelaide Road,” explained Andrew. “By having more filters installed in the system, it reduces dust emissions into the atmosphere. Having a bigger grid area reduces the amount that can get away as well, so we can control the dust a lot better.” T h e p u rc h a s e o f n e w
J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016 - 5
Investing in the future
With Johnson’s investment comes farmer confidence Generations of farmers have made a living through supplying Johnson’s. Well known farming families like the Shanahans, Musters, Schusters and Geisters are among around 150 farmers who regularly supply the Kapunda based operations. “We are two generations of supplying hay to Johnson’s,” says Freeling’s Tom Shanahan. Tom has followed on from his father, Michael and uncle, Des to continue the Shanahan family’s long connection with Johnson’s. “We would have started supplying certain hay when they were located at Stockport, going back probably 50 years ago I reckon,” Tom said. “It would have been sheaf hay for their chaff mill at Stockport, then when they moved to Kapunda and opened up another one there.” The development of the first pellet mill on Old Kapunda Road resulted in more opportunities for local farmers. “Then Johnson’s set up their hay processing plant for the export market, right next door to where their original pellet mill was.” With Johnson’s move to the current location at Perry Road, farmers were offered a large scale hay processing plant. Now, with the addition of the new state-of-the-art feed mill, farmer confidence has increased yet again. “We’ve been supplying Johnson’s throughout that whole period, since the ’80s in particular,” said Tom. “As the overseas demand has increased with their export sales, we’ve also grown as a lot of farmers in the region have. “We’ve been supplying more and more every year.” As large suppliers of hay and bedding straw for export and other commodities such as grains for the feed mill, Tom is optimistic for the future. “With the investment that Johnson’s have committed, it certainly gives us a great deal of confidence going forward.
Tom Shanahan prepares to load another truck destined for Johnson’s.
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6 - J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016
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“If their demand increases, our supply increases - that’s the bottom line. It’s a bonus for both parties. “The export hay business is just a growth industry, full stop.” Tom said Johnson’s mission to open more international markets for livestock pellet supply would allow further diversification. “If they can open up trade with the Middle East and other countries, it is just another diversification of the types of hay, straw and fodder that we can sell to them.” Having a facility like Johnson’s so close to home is a huge advantage for local farming families like the Shanahans. “We are supplying from within a 25 kilometre radius. Freight constraints are pretty healthy...it makes our job more profitable.” With the growth of Johnson’s in the district, Tom has been able to invest in the future of his own business as well. “We’ve just built a shed in the last two months and that is basically to store hay and straw for Johnson’s. “This year, we look to be supplying them with 5,000 tonnes of oaten hay and we would be looking at supplying straw in the region of maybe 7,000 tonnes, something like that.” It’s a far cry from when the Shanahans started out. “Goodness, from back in the days when my father and uncle would have supplied them with sheaf hay, that might have totalled 1,000 tonne if that. Now we’d be supplying around 12,000 tonne a year, plus we sell them grains... last year I would have sold 2,000 tonnes of grain, something like that.” Tom said Johnson’s were a big part of the family’s farming business and also did contract work for the company. “We’ve had a good, healthy partnership. “We are confident, going forward, that things are going to be on the up and consequently it should provide a win-win for all.”
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Investing in the future
Safety - everyone’s responsibility Ensuring the safety of workers at Johnson’s are an experienced team, led by QSE manager, Mr Pat Hallion. All buildings are approved to strict Australian standards and with a new premises comes new expectations as Pat strives to instil a safety culture that is filtering throughout the company. “It’s about educating the guys to be more responsible rather than the philosophy of monitoring every job and using a heavy handed approach,” explained Pat. “We invest a lot of time and money on consultants to ensure everyone understands what safety is - it’s just part of our business, not something separate. It’s the way we work and the way we do business.” Safety protocols ensure that all staff are compliant in all operations undertaken at the Kapunda site with employee records clearly showing whether licences are correct and up to date and staff are appropriately trained for the task at hand. “Part of the legislation is that we must supply training, supervision and a safe work environment,” Pat said. “My job is to oversee the safety, quality and environmental systems that we have in place and that we comply
with government bodies. “Every job out here is split up into four, they are split into tasks and are assessed every three to six months.” The safety team is accountable when it comes to quality standards and complete records and samples taken every hour are kept on site to ensure customers receive the exact product they have ordered. “We are Feed Safe accredited through the Stock Feed Manufacturer’s Council of Australia. The hay plant is also HACCP accredited through Feed Safe.” Johnson’s are also accountable to regular auditing from a myriad of government regulatory bodies such as the Department of Primary Industries and EPA. “It’s all about compliance, you have to comply with all the laws but also ensure that the customer receives the best possible product.” Whilst the new mill may result in less safety hazards, nothing is taken for granted. “I suppose with a new generation comes a new culture and my job as safety manager is to follow the company’s vision of providing a safe, healthy and happy work environment “Safety is everybody’s responsibility.”
Controlled with the touch of button
Production manager, Chris Ryan with Johnson’s safety team: Paul Lucantoni, Jeff Reimann and Pat Hallion, QSE manager.
With 10 years’ experience at Johnson’s, Jason Hodgson helps keep the mill running smoothly by using a high-tech computerised system which controls every step of the pelleting process, from
hay bin to end product. “We press buttons!” he laughs. “I’m monitoring the steam, how hard the pellets are, how long they are, the protein and moisture content and their weight.
“I do have to go out there and get hourly samples to see how they are going. “My job is to make a very good pellet so the customers will buy it, love it and return for more.”
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J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016 - 7 RCR Ad NEG PREP 1.indd 1
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Investing in the future
Mayor’s Message Council currently enjoys a n exc e l l e nt w o r k i n g relationship and a c k n o w l e d ge the important contribution J T Johnson & Sons continue to make across our region in value adding to raw materials sourced from the local lush farming district producing high quality product. They remain the major employer in the town, engaging some 85 people in gainful and secure employment and are certainly excellent corporate citizens, generously sponsoring and supporting many sporting clubs and community organisations. This fourth generation family company have been a part of the local landscape since 1957 and from a humble beginning they are now one of Australia’s largest hay and fodder producers with an annual turnover of approaching $100 million with around 85% of production exported. Over the last few years J T Johnson & Sons have undergone enormous growth and I am pleased to report that our Council has supported and assisted in the planning and approvals of this massive development. It’s of great credit that the company continues to look to the future.
From a personal perspective over a number of years I have been fortunate to have had considerable contact and enjoyed my friendship with members of the family. As Mayor, I look at what’s been achieved and I cannot help but feel proud that our country town can provide such a broad range of facilities and service to our farmers and people living in the district whilst also generating employment and other opportunities. It is also noted some employees have been there for over 40 years…I really love driving into Kapunda at night with JT Johnson & Sons operations lit up like a giant ‘space station’ , it could almost be a tourist attraction… The recent $18 million plant improvements and expansion should dramatically increase export opportunities that will ensure J T Johnson & Son remain an important and vital business in this region and they will continue to play a significant role to our farming community and in creating employment opportunities.. On behalf of Light Regional Council I acknowledge and thank the board members and family who continue to manage the business in such a professional manner and in strengthening our relationship and commend them for keeping the tradition alive.
Mayor Bill O’Brien Light Regional Council
Regional Development Minister, Mr Geoff Brock with Robbie Johnson, JT Johnson & Sons.
Regional Development Grant boosts infrastructure JT Johnson and Sons received $500,000 to assist in the electrical upgrade of its $18 million animal feed pellet mill expansion. Regional Development Minister, Mr Geoff Brock made the significant funding announcement during State Government’s Country Cabinet held in Kapunda last year. Mr Robbie Johnson, JT Johnson and Sons’ director,
said the upgrade helped to improve the company’s production of high quality feed products for the fodder markets, which are distributed domestically and internationally. “The Regional Development Fund grant allowed us to proceed with infrastructure upgrades that drastically improve power use efficiency and to augment additional power to the production facility.”
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Investing in the future
Making another delivery to Johnson’s using the large new grid to minimize dust is Michael Flanagan, from Point Pass trucking company, Leditschke Transport. He is shown with quality control co-ordinator, Henry Smith who orders grain and hay for the pellet mill. “When it comes over the weighbridge, it’s assessed to make sure we have a quality product so the lads can make quality pellets,” Henry explained.
Todd Wyatt and Camron Schodde, part of the bagging team with a selection from the Johnson’s Natural Formula horse pellet range.
Long term employees, Roger Leslie and Richard Godefroy undertaking a final quality inspection for bulk pellets ready for delivery.
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www.propakindustries.com.au J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016 - 9
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STOCKFEED PELLETING PROCESS 1 LIQUIDS COATING
Raw ingredients are delivered via truck and unloaded into an in-ground pit and distributed to the bulk storage silos.
After cooling the pellets can be sent through a post pellet liquid coating system. This is where liquids such as molasses, oil and tallow are added to the outside of the pellet which are dosed from bulk tanks located outside. From here the pellets are sent to a number of overhead outloading silos where they are loaded into bulk tankers and tip trucks.
7
BULK INTAKE
2
3
PELLETING
The complete batch of mash is now pelletised through a number of pellet presses. The end result is a pellet ranging from 3.5mm to 9mm diameter that is easily transported with low dust and also ensures the animal will receive the exact ingredients in every pellet as part of its healthy diet.
6
BULK STORAGE & BATCHING
Bulk storage is made up of numerous silos of specific size and quantity to suit the production capacity of the plant. These store both grain and meals products like wheat, barley, almond hulls and mill run. These ingredients are batch weighed prior to grinding.
GRINDING The complete batch of raw ingredients is transferred to a header bin above the hammermills where it will be ground down to particle size to suit the pelleting process and the dietary requirements of the animal.
4
COOLING
Before the pellet can be stored in outloading silos it needs to be cooled to ensure the product doesn’t sweat in the silos creating condensation and mould. This is achieved by running the pellets directly from the press through a counter flow cooler whereby air to drawn through the bed of pellets and cooled with 5-10 degrees of ambient temperature.
5 MIXING The complete batch of ground ingredients and micro ingredients is then blended in a single shaft paddle mixer to form a ‘mash’. Here some liquids like canola oil are added to the batch prior to pelleting.
www.lgpm.com.au 10 - J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016
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MICRO DOSING Smaller ingredients, like salt and urea, are dosed from 1T bulk bags and 20kg small bags into a weigh hopper and introduced into the ground grain and meals product stream on its way to mixing. SW4466
8
12 Keith Campbell Crt SCORESBY VIC 3179
Investing in the future
Service team keeps Johnson’s up and running
Back: Sam Ryan, Steve Werner, Dave Matthews and John Crawford. Front: Gil Macalinga, Lee Wylie, Jordan Dohse, Rachel Battle and Matt Ryan, service manager.
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Johnson’s service team keeps the state-of-the art hay and pellet feed plant running smoothly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Matt Ryan, services manager, has been with the company for 14 years and said better technology has made his team’s job easier. “It’s more user friendly for us,” said Matt. “We don’t have to spend time patching up old gear, it’s all brand new now.” Whilst the latest advancements also create new challenges, especially during the feed mill’s commissioning process, Matt said not having to fix old machinery was a bonus. “The team is looking forward to working on the new gear, hopefully it makes our job easier and obviously it’s better working on new equipment.” Around 10 full time staff are employed to keep the plant manufacturing the highest quality feed pellets. “We run a day shift where everyone comes on and then we have a call-out roster that looks after the other 16 hours while we’re not here. “We look after everything. Any general electrical gear, any mechanical breakdowns, right from the computer system that runs everything, down to the bearings, cogs and chains that are on the plant.” There is an IT specialist who looks after network computers, but Matt and the team are responsible for the programmable logic controller (PLC). “That’s basically the brains of the machine... we look after the body and the brains!”
QUALITY, VALUE AND SERVICE
We’re proud to provide J.T. Johnson & Sons with the latest in mobile communication! P 4G Smartphones & Mobile options P Business Phone Systems P Tablets P Wi-fi and USB Internet P Accessories Ph: 8562 2900 1 Murray Street, Nuriootpa www.barossacommunications.com
MANTINA QUARRIES CONCRETE SUPPLY
Congratulations
to all at J.T. Johnson & Sons
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Matt and Staff at KBL Security P.O. BOX 354, KAPUNDA
8566 2779
Pooraka: 8260 6266 Kapunda: 8566 2302
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Congratulations
J.T. Johnson & Sons on your new feed mill
J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016 - 11
Investing in the future
Times have changed for long serving employee
Neville Randall has embraced the changes in technology during his three decades at Johnson’s and is one of many employees who have worked at Johnson’s for decades. Neville Randall has been working at Johnson’s for “30+ years” and is looking forward to what the future holds for his workplace when the new mill is “purring” along nicely. “It’s a bit daunting right now because we are trying to commission it all, but in the last month, I can see improvements untold - it’s really gone ahead,” he said. Over the years, Neville has said goodbye to hands-on, labour intensive processes and
welcomed new computerised technology, taking it all in his stride. “Except for the basics like the cleanliness of the place which is manual, it’s all automated, everything. “That’s why we’ve got five chairs in here!” he laughs, describing the office, lined with monitors, that overlooks the entire operation from behind glass.” He can’t remember how many employees
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MEMBER FOR WAKEFIELD
MEMBER FOR WAKEFIELD
up the road and that was only one little single mill and only did about 5 tonne an hour. Then we moved to the new one that we built in ‘86 and that got up to about 15-16, sometimes we got 18 tonne an hour. “This new one here is suppose to do 30 tonne an hour. From only making 6 tonne an hour to 30 is a big jump - if it weren’t for computers and the automation of it all, we’d still be slow.”
Leslie duo are part of Johnson’s history and future
Congratulations Johnson’s on your recent expansion
Nick Champion Nick Champion
he has trained over the years, but concludes “there’s been a lot”. “It would have to be hundreds. They’ve been put into different positions and some are doing other jobs, but if it came to the crunch, we could get them back here with a bit of a refresher,” he said confidently. He is in awe of the automated processes that have made his and his colleagues’ jobs easier. “This is the third mill... we had the first one
Contact me:
8284 2422
Nick.Champion.MP@aph.gov.au
Authorised by Nick Champion MP 89/600 Main North Road, Smithfield
Ni
Nic k
MEM
MEMBER
Tip Top Electrical is proud to be associated with Ahrens Group on another successful project!
www.tiptopelectrical.com
Phone: 8269 4277
12 - J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016
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We congratulate J.T Johnson & Sons on their new feed mill Trevor Leslie with son, Tom overlooking the new multi-million dollar feed mill from the offices nearby. Trevor Leslie retired as Johnson’s full-time Chief Financial Officer a few years back after 26 years in the role and was proud to see his son, Tom take over the position. But the Kapunda identity still works part-time at the family
business, sharing his immense ex p e r i e n c e w i t h t h e n ex t generation. “I manage corporate farms in Victoria, it’s a part time role,” he said. Also providing assistance in the accounting department, Trevor said
he has seen many developments over his years at Johnson’s. “It’s changed a hell of a lot,” he said. “ The turnover was about $6 million when I started back in 1987 to somewhere close to $100 million now.”
F
Investing in the future
Kynon Hewitt, haycutter, loading bales into the teaser.
The feed mill has around 2,500 tonne storage capacity for raw materials and new out-loading silos hold five hundred tonnes. Nearing the end of their shift are Kynon Hewitt, Lee Wylie and Dave Matthews.
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Finance team: Angie Berryman, Gail Ryan, Lauren Koch, Tristan Skene, Sonya Wall and Tom Leslie. Absent, Michael Johnson.
E.L. Schuster and Son is proud to have been associated with Johnson’s for over 30 years.
Congratulations to the Johnson family and staff. We thank you and appreciate our association. – James & Cirsten
Congratulations to the Johnson family on their newly expanded pellet mill - a symbol of confidence in the future of our agricultural region.
P: 8581 1538
James: 0418 890 817 | Cirsten: 0439 711 538
E: jamesandcirsten@aussiebb.com.au
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Schuster Road, Freeling Phone: 8525 2037 Gavin: 0428 811 407 Corbin: 0429 939 582 Leighton: 0428 939 502 www.ezybale.com.au
J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016 - 13
Investing in the future
Johnson’s Sales and Marketing team. Front: Zarnah Heidrich, Brad Williams, Nikita Johnson, Toni Oliver and Chika Ellis. Back: Darren White, David Leslie, Corey Ryan and Sandy Hahn.
FOR ALL YOUR CONTAINER TRANSPORT NEEDS
Congratulations J.T. Johnson’s on your new Pellet Mill. PROUD LONG TERM SERVICE PROVIDERS OF JTJ
• Road & Rail Container Transport • Specialise in both Exports & Imports • Warehouse Storage & Distribution • Container Sales • International Freight Forwarding Services Business Phone:
08 8248 0655
Enquiries: alby.gluyas@qube.com.au
www.qube.com.au SW4481
14 - J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016
Investing in the future
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Along side the newly built feed mill, JT Johnson & Sons’ state-of-the art hay production plant “Hunterwood” produces hay and straw for Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Middle East. Back: Tim Parham, John Scobie, Jason Williams, Dan Lavelle, Anthony Wyatt, Mick Lehmann, Steve Thomas, Trevor Bailey, Kevin Robinson. Front: Paul Hocking, Jarrod Manley, Daniel Arch, Mick Menzel, Dave Lehmann and Chris Ryan, production manager.
Striving for excellence to assist the needs of any business. Our local team of technicians are ready to assist you.
Congratulates its valued client J.T. Johnson & Sons, on completion of its New Feed Mill.
We are proud to provide J.T. Johnson & Sons with efficient network management and fast internet connectivity. Congratulations on the completion of your new feed mill.
08 8418 3900 EIB Insurance Brokers (ABN 22 132 698 125 AFS License No 342385) A member of BrokersLink Global Alliance.
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Business Computer Support
1300 618 522 www.kodotech.com.au
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Please refer to our Financial Services Guide on our website for information on our products and services and how we are remunerated.
J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016 - 15
CONGRATULATIONS JT JOhNSON & SONS ! Ahrens is proud to have been appointed the main contractor for the upgrade, design and construction of JT Johnson & Sons new pellet mill in Kapunda. Ahrens is a national full-service construction, engineering and materials handling company, delivering a complete range of project services and cost-effective solutions. We’ve been based in the Barossa for over 110 years and love working on projects so close to home that benefit local business and the greater community. It was fantastic working with the Johnsons team and we look forward to watching your upgraded facilities take your business to the next level. Our ability to deliver a full range of services – from design, steel fabrication and procurement through to construction and project delivery – means we are a one-stop shop for cost-effective project solutions locally and across Australia. We specialise in: > Design and construction;
> Car parks;
> Project management;
> Bulk materials handling & storage;
> Warehouse & logistics;
> Mining infrastructure;
> Winery buildings & infrastructure;
> Bulky goods;
> Workshops;
> Cold storage facilities;
> Educational facilities;
> Food & Beverage; and
> Commercial properties;
> Aviation & defence.
CONSTRUCTION | ENGINEERING | MATERIALS hANDLING
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T: 1800 268 519 | E: enquiries@ahrens.com.au | w
16 - J.T. Johnson & Sons, “The Leader”, December 21, 2016