By 1994, the Swellendam workshops had developed to such an extent that new buildings were erected and the business expanded to the neighbouring town of Bredasdorp. In 2004, John Deere SA approached Emilius to expand the JDI branches into the Eastern Cape. As a result, new branches were established in Hankey, Addo and Cradock. These new branches have been a great success in the Eastern Cape. JDI currently has sixbranches with the latest branch established in George in 2016. The George branch is currently managed by the sub-dealer, Mbriers Agricultural Services.
Emilius Tomlinson’s two sons also play an integral part in the business. His oldest son, Emile, joined the company in 2010 and is responsible for sales in the Swellendam, Heidelberg and Barrydale districts. His second son, Jason, joined his father and brother in 2012 and is involved in JDI’s precision farming activities.
Although much has changed since the founding years, JDI is still managed with the same sound business principles in order to provide and distribute sustainable products to the agricultural sector. The original family business, a private company, has now developed into a successful corporate business.