Local Beaches company Jehbco Manufacturing Pty Ltd – whose products are used worldwide in almost every industry imaginable – is celebrating its 50th year.

Originating in an unassuming factory in Brookvale, you’ll find little pieces of this third-generation family-run company in planes, trains and automobiles, boats, buildings, restaurants, hospitals and research facilities all around the world.

Founded on the northern beaches in 1974 by partners Jim, Eric, Hank and Burt (their initials forming the company name), Jehbco is a world-leading manufacturer of quality silicone extrusions that are fire, UV, oil, heat and weather resistant, for industries such as mining, pharmaceutical, construction, defence and transport.

Since 1974 the business has grown from a small rented space with one extruder and mill at 52 Winbourne Road to a fully equipped factory at 24 William Street.

The company’s first 10 years were demanding – three of the founding partners were bought out by Hank Tuynman, and he and his wife Janice became business partners.

“It was emotionally and financially challenging in those first few years as we had three small children under five when the idea was first mooted,” explained Janice.

“But through sheer hard work, expertise and entrepreneurial skills, Hank strengthened the original concept to build the business up to what it is today, reinforced by our son Karl,” she said.

Three generations of the Tuynman family are currently involved in the business – Janice who become sole owner when Hank passed away in 2015, their son Karl (who started in accounts in 2000 before moving into production and now Operations Manager); and grandchildren Jacob, who has progressed from the factory to Sales Manager, and Kailey who is the HR, Marketing and Admin Assistant.

Hank and Janice’s other sons, Keith, David and Samuel have also worked at Jehbco over the years and half of its 20 current employees have been with the company for two decades or more.

 

CORE VALUES

While there have been major shifts in the manufacturing sector, being a small business has allowed Jehbco to be dynamic and agile, reacting to changes within industries quickly.

“Our core product range has not changed a lot over the past 50 years,” said Karl Tuynman.

“We have always specialised in the production of HTV silicone extrusions and gaskets, staying true to my father’s philosophy that we never produce other rubber products in-house to avoid any chance of cross contamination, something our high-end food and medical grade customers appreciate to meet the high specifications they require,” he said.

As demands for certain products changed over time, the company narrowed its focus and strengthened its reputation in its niche market, including silicone sheet and mouldings.

“At the same time, we have developed specialised material formulas for the rail, construction, lighting and drinking water industries that have enabled us to create stable and long-term mutually beneficial partnerships with our customer base,” Karl said.

Jehbco’s vision is “To empower global industries with next-gen silicone extrusions”.

“We export about 15 per cent of our product to countries like the US, China, Singapore, and New Zealand. Our brand is very well known throughout the Asia Pacific Region, selling to companies like Boeing, Fonterra, Zip (Culligan) and ANSTO” Karl said.

“Our products provide innovative solutions including in construction, where we provide Quickjoint – a precured façade extrusion which can be installed at any time and temperature with no skill, unlike its wet silicone alternative.”

“Also, we have developed high-end flame-retardant silicones for the transport industry and in particular for rail.”

“Our high-grade silicone tubing allows companies within

Australia to access this product in any size and grade.”

“We keep abundant supplies of the raw material for our customers as it is unavailable in Australia and has long lead times.”

THE FUTURE

The Australian manufacturing sector has faced its share of challenges over the years with small businesses constantly facing various headwinds.

“We are the last of a dying breed, so it is essential we do whatever it takes to play our part in keeping manufacturing alive in this country,” Karl said

“We are proud to be all-Australian and find this helps with support for many local businesses who are keen to invest in this great nation.

“Many of our very good customers are helping Jehbco continually improve through their ever-increasing demands on upgrading our processes and product quality.

“We are growing with them and will continue to do so, with no foreseeable alternative product on the horizon.

“Every aspect of the business is working together with a common goal to make this the best company it can be, with each key position now filled with motivated and driven employees who have many years of expertise between them.

“I am very optimistic for the future and can see Jehbco being a market force for many years to come, continuing my father’s legacy that he set in motion for us half a century ago,” Karl said.