F.J. PRECISION PTY LTD
OFFICIAL COMMISSIONING OF THE
SALVAGNINI P4 PANEL BENDER
25TH SEPTEMBER 2003
Barry Collier MP State Member for Miranda

"I'm delighted to be with you this afternoon at F.J. Precision Pty Ltd, here at Caringbah, Sutherland Shire.

I'm honoured as a local MP to have the task of officially commissioning or unveiling of what truly is a machine at the leading edge of modern metal fabrication technology the Salvagnini. It is indeed appropriate that we are unveiling this modern manufacturing masterpiece in September Small Business Month.

It's 42 years since Kevin Johnsen started a small sheet metal outfit in a laneway off Rose Street, Darlington. This family company F.J. Precision Pty Ltd has come a long way. With Kevin’s son, Colin Johnsen, now at the helm, F.J. Precision Pty Ltd employs 70 workers in two states with 35 workers here in the Shire. Typical of Colin’s commitment both to the Sheet Metal Industry and the Shire, Colin employs 6 apprentices. I met two apprentices during a recent visit just so keen to work here. He tells me that of the 6 apprentices, the one who lives further away lives only at Kurnell! We are often condemned for being just a little parochial here in the Shire but our small business people are far more outward looking than many realise.

Here's a local company investing $2 million in state-of-the-art-technology and not content just to supply local markets but looking to tap into highly competitive export markets in Asia, including China and Thailand.

Here's a local company regarded as an industry leader wanting to stay ahead of the competition here in Australia yet aiming to compete effectively in global markets.That is what the Salvagnini is designed to help this company do.

Investing in the $2 million machine which I'm told is the first of its kind in Australia is doing what entrepreneurs do having a vision, having a long term plan and goals relating to not just to profitability but growth and market share. It's about making a major decision, putting up the capital and taking a risk to achieve these goals and secure the company's future.

I know F.J. Precision manufactures a vast range of products many of which are used as components everything from air conditioning and computer casings to products for telecommunications, power distributors, stainless steel products used in surgery and even casings for large RTA Advisory Signs. But Colin can tell you more about that.

Having seen the machine the Salvagnini in operation, I was just blown away. My brother, Allan, was a sheet metal worker. I called into his factory 25 years ago the difference in the machinery and in the workplace then and now, is nothing short of phenomenal.

The multi-skilling and up-skilling of tradespersons and workers since then has been astonishing. Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge the important contribution Colin Johnsen makes beyond this firm. Colin is also President of the Sheet Metal Industries Association of NSW, and Colin, I thank you for your hard work and your commitment to apprentices and the sheet metal industry as a whole. Having said that, let me congratulate Colin and all at F.J. Precision on this marvellous new machine. Let me acknowledge the staff, tradespersons, apprentices and all the workers and thank them for their contribution to this great local firm over the years. I know they have a key role to play in ensuring the success of this new hi-tech venture. I now officially commission and unveil the first Salvagnini P4 Panel Bender this $2 million job shop machine in Australia."