ball joint contract with the U.S. military
mitigated losses, propelling the company
forward once again. Since then, military
and defence has become one of the most
important industries J/E serves.
According to Joe Volkaert, President, the
automotive industry has made a come-
back, especially in the local market. Al-
though the downturn was initially difficult,
he believes that more good than bad hap-
pened as a result. It compelled his com-
pany to diversify its client base, effectively
reducing its dependence on auto manu-
facturing.
“It hasmade us a better company,” he says.
“We had to be more efficient and look for
other opportunities. It’s really progressed
our business a lot since that time.” The
company continues to serve automotive
companies, as well as the steel industry.
Due to the heavy agricultural presence in
the area, J/E has also become involved in
farming and food processing, supplying
not only equipment, but going above and
beyond. In one case, the company elimi-
nated waste and saved thousands of dol-
lars for a food process manufacturer with
an inefficient flour dispensing system. J/E
also serves municipal and government
facilities, mining and mineral processing,
energy, and environmental and waste
48 business elite canada
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MARCH 2017
