Long Service Employees

Our can-do attitude and world-class performance are only made possible because of our amazing team. Meet assembly supervisor Terence Whelan, who keeps the wheels running smoothly and always has a solution to every problem.

What’s your stand-out or funniest memory?

What stood out for me when I first started at JMK ten years ago was working with the MD of the company, building the first shrinker.

Firstly, I didn’t have a clue who this person was at the time. I was like, ‘Who is this guy, working in overalls, calling the shots …?’ Until I found out by asking the chaps on the assembly floor, and they told me, ‘Dude, that’s the MD of JMK.’

It was fantastic to see a man of that calibre working hand in hand with his employees on such a personal level.

Describe Jendamark in ten words or less

Opportunities, family, technology, learning, teamwork and leadership.

What keeps you motivated to come to work every day?

Learning – that’s what I really love most about my job. I love learning new things, especially when it comes to solving problems and being able to help find innovative solutions to problems.

I also enjoy having the chance to make an impact and be part of something bigger than myself. My job helps me stay curious, because it’s always changing and there’s always more to learn. And finally, I love that my job gives me the freedom to be me!

‘Inspiring’, ‘tenacious’, ‘a star,’ ‘gives me confidence’ – these are some of the words used to describe our very special mentor, Funeka Gusha, who ensures that our apprentice toolmakers maintain Jendamark’s exacting standards in everything they do. Having covered her own four-year course in two and a half years, Funeka has the determination, work ethic  and eye for detail that make us – and her – the best!

What’s your stand-out or funniest memory?

When I was sent to get a “long wait”. I had no idea what a “long wait” was but soon discovered it was a prank to make me wait a long time!

Describe Jendamark in ten words or less

Jendamark focuses on its people and grooming them to become better.

What keeps you motivated to come to work every day?

It is that sense of achievement at the end of the day. For example, teaching someone new skills and assisting them at learning new things.

Meet a man who loves his job and his hometown, and wakes every morning with a spring in his step to give 100% of himself in the job. Roderick has been with Jendamark Automation for 25 years – testament to his love of a challenge and the close relationships he enjoys with colleagues and clients.

What’s your stand-out or funniest memory?

I have so many memories from all the years. Many of them are fond memories – not necessarily funny. I remember Quinton Uren working alongside us on site trying to get a machine to work. He was adjusting the mechanisms and I was waiting for him to finish so I could complete the electrical wiring. This scene stands out for me – the directors were so hands-on, and that gained them my respect.

One specifically funny thing that springs to mind was when a colleague fell asleep near some part boxes on a new line. He was rudely awakened by the morning shift operator. Keep in mind that we were working many long hours and late nights to get the project ready on time. It was not uncommon to steal a quick power nap if you had the opportunity.

Describe Jendamark in ten words or less

Jendamark is more than just a business – it is a lifestyle.

What keeps you motivated to come to work every day?

I love what I do. The energy and drive of the people I work with is a big motivational factor. I like the opportunities to impart knowledge and grow people.

A man who’s been working with 4IR technologies long before 4IR was a thing – that’s our dedicated senior systems analyst, Gregory Perelson. Greg helped develop the high-performance machines that are now commonplace in industry for acquiring and analysing vast quantities of data – or highly precise data – at unbelievable speeds. Focus, dedication and openness to change have made Gregory an invaluable member of the Jendamark family for 25 years.

What’s your stand-out or funniest memory?

I don’t know that there’s one specific event that I could point to. But certainly the opportunity to do international projects, and see various parts of the world – that stands out as something that most South Africans don’t get to do.

Describe Jendamark in ten words or less

A uniquely South African company specialising in advanced industrial automation.

What keeps you motivated to come to work every day?

Most software people spend their time writing code that moves numbers between columns in spreadsheets. At Jendamark, we get to see our code affect the real world, and what we produce here in ODIN now has the potential to have a real impact on the quality of products that people around the world buy and rely upon. That’s what I love.

How do we compete on the world stage as a South African company? The secret of our success lies in the value we ascribe to our amazing people. Natasha Thompson is a familiar face to most Jendamark employees, customers and suppliers. Tash has been with the company for 15 years and has worn many hats – from director’s PA to debtors’ controller. She’s also the one who makes sure our global commissioning and service teams get where they need to be.

What’s your stand-out or funniest memory?

My stand-out memory is when we got our first order to export a shrinker. I have never in my life seen a team pull together so incredibly well to make a project such a success.

Describe Jendamark in ten words or less

It’s a forward-thinking, on-the-go, family environment.

What keeps you motivated to come to work every day?

The diverse people I work with, the ideas that are brought to the table each day, the job satisfaction and the trust that the leaders have in me. That special bond I have created with my work family. Every day is different!

How does a Gqeberha-based company keep surprising the world with its innovation, precision, speed and all-round excellence? Through hiring and retaining the very best, especially when it comes to the nerve centre of our production lines – the control system. Meet a consummate professional with a strong electrical engineering background who has been with the company for a decade.

What’s your stand-out or funniest memory?

There are quite a few good memories from my many overseas trips. It’s difficult to single out one, but any trip where you travel with a great bunch of guys and share the ups and downs of an installation is a good memory. Walking away knowing that together you installed a top-notch working line is just incredibly satisfying.

Describe Jendamark in ten words or less

Friendly environment. High intensity. Industry leader in the automation sector.

What keeps you motivated to come to work every day?

I enjoy the challenge of programming and helping the younger generation of programmers to better themselves. Also that feeling of accomplishment when you’ve made a machine work properly – it’s awesome.

High-tech and people oriented. That’s how our HR administrator, Adele van Wyngaardt, describes Jendamark, and she is spot on. Kind and caring Adele is an essential member of the team that looks after our people. She has been with Jendamark for twelve years and brings a calm, friendly efficiency to everything she does.

What’s your stand-out or funniest memory?

Years ago, we had a wooden spoon that was handed to any employee on the floor who had slipped up or had some shortcoming in the work environment. The employee had to carry that wooden spoon everywhere they went until the next employee was found guilty. (This was all taken in good spirit!)

Describe Jendamark in ten words or less

A high-tech, people-orientated company that strives to be the best.

What keeps you motivated to come to work every day?

In Jendamark we are a close-knit family. I enjoy working in the same office environment with all my friendly colleagues and family. I am also proud to work for an international company and therefore feel very motivated to come to work and be part of the company.

It takes a special kind of patience and eye for detail to draw mechanical devices, equipment and controls, provide dimensions, calculate specifications for components, and resolve a plethora of design problems. That’s the gem we have in Noelene Goodwin, whose eagle eye and steady hand give our toolmakers the data they need to create that Jendamark precision, time after time.

What’s your stand-out or funniest memory?

The best for me were the hamsters that were found in the Design Department and are now living a safe, cosy life in my room.

Describe Jendamark in ten words or less

I feel safe here and my colleagues are like family.

What keeps you motivated to come to work every day?

I love my job – even with all the stress that goes with it.