results were spectacular. The client saved
an estimated $70,000 and their spindle
has been functioning optimally for 5 years
and counting.
Recently, J/E upgraded its machinery, hav-
ing bought equipment forged from the lat-
est technology. They also have some of
the largest equipment in the area between
Windsor andToronto. “It really allows us to
do work that no other machine shop can
do,” Volkaert said.
SUCCESSFUL COMPANY,
HUMBLE ORIGINS
Behind the success of the company are
very humble origins. Volkaert began his
career in the bearing business immedi-
ately after high school and his father, Joe
Volkaert Senior, the key driver behind the
founding of J/E, was a farmer before he
purchased a machine shop in Tillsonburg.
Working together with Chuck Hendricks,
Volkaert’s brother-in-law and his sister Pat
Hendricks, the company was a four-man
distribution centre, operating out of a small
outlet shop.
Very soon, the business grew prosperous
and both team and facility expanded sub-
stantially. Now there are two large facilities
behind the J/E name and 55 employees.
Last year, it was recognized by the Tillson-
burg District Chamber of Commerce with
“We still see ourselves as a small business so we’re able to make decisions
instantaneously.” Joe Volkaert, President
6
business elite canada
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MARCH 2017
