John Berends Implements continues to fly the flag for Australian manufacturing, producing high quality products at its Melbourne factory
In the south-eastern Melbourne suburb of Dandenong, there remains a shining example of Australian agricultural manufacturing.
Leading farm machinery manufacturer John Berends Implements has operated since 1966 and is still family owned.
The company continues to service the agricultural sector with Australian-made, high quality and well-priced farm implements, something it has done for nearly 60 years.
Boasting more than 8,000sqm of factory area, almost all aspects of production are done at John Berends Implements’ site, encompassing everything from steel processing and welding to painting and final assembly.
The only external processing is some local machining and laser cutting.
It is an extensive operation, and one which the company has invested in the long-term viability of by adding the likes of a high-speed plasma cutter and welding robots.
John Berends Implements is not a one-trick pony either, also priding itself on the large range of products it builds to suit a variety of agricultural applications.
The selection includes everything from large twin rotor slashers, trailing road graders and broadacre disc ploughs through to aerators, rippers, rakes and post hole diggers for smaller acreages.
Having built these products over many decades, and refining the production process along the way, it means John Berends Implements can remain a well-oiled machine that manufactures proven, high-quality products that consistently do the job.
The philosophy behind most new designs is how can it be built strong enough for Australian conditions and the intended job but simple enough to keep it affordable for farmers.
“We could charge the same as other manufacturers and probably still sell similar numbers at a higher profit, but our company policy is to always provide Australian farmers with value for money,” general manager Derrick Berends says.
“If the farmer goes away happy with their machine, then they are more than likely to consider Berends for future machinery purchases.”
Local edge
Australian-made products have always been associated with strength and quality, while also giving farmers the confidence they were developed for local conditions and needs.
Maintaining this local manufacturing presence, and ensuring farmers can access Australian-made agricultural implements, is what motivates John Berends Implements to keep developing.
“There has been a growing number of cheap imports coming out of Asia and we have already seen several local manufacturers take the path of importing these low-quality products instead of manufacturing them locally,” Derrick says.
“We believe it is very important that Australia maintains a strong local manufacturing sector just as it is important that consumers should buy Australian grown produce at the supermarkets.
“Although we can never match the sort of pricing coming out of places like China, we also know that the quality and aftermarket service of these products often lets them down and it is this aspect which we can use to our advantage.
“We frequently get asked if we can repair gearboxes on cheap imported machines which are barely over a year old yet out of warranty.
“Unfortunately, there is not much which can be done in most cases as they are designed as a throw away item once they break down.”
John Berends Implements aims to build its products to the required strength for Australian conditions – using the specifications they would like to have as buyers – without adding too many complex features which add unnecessary cost.
In addition to its products being built for local conditions, they are backed up by an extensive national dealer network.
Both of these are traits which Derrick says many of the cheap imported alternatives do not provide.
“The other big issue that is occurring is that customers are being sold machinery which is too light and not fit for purpose,” he says.
“This is where having a good dealer network who can offer the right advice, and back up the product they sell, is important.
“When you are looking at buying new machinery, always consider Berends as an option and compare the features and prices against other brands. You may be pleasantly surprised.”
John Berends Implements is located at 130 Frankston-Dandenong Road, Dandenong South.
The company can be contacted on (03) 9791 2494 or by visiting www.johnberendsimplements.com.au
