ABOUT JDI

Since 1896

Emilius Tomlinson is the Managing Director of JDI (J.D. Implemente) which was founded in 1896 by Emilius’s great grandfather under the company name of DM Tomlinson & Kie. The business was established to supply Massey tractors and related agricultural machinery to farmers in the Overberg area.

JDI was officially established in 1960 in Swellendam by Emilius Tomlinson’s father and uncle. The resulting John Deere agency has now been in operation for the last 59 years and, as such, it is the oldest John Deere Agency in South Africa. The latter is; something of which the Tomlinson family is extremely proud of.
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.
In 2012, JDI joined forces with Senwes, a leading agribusiness. With this strong shareholder on board, JDI now has an edge over their opposition as they are able to stock a wider variety of products. This in turn has contributed immensely to the company's growth in turnover.. JDI is now established in more than one agricultural area. As a result, the seasonal demand for machinery and implements in various agricultural sectors is now distributed more evenly per annum allowing for more efficient utilization and turnover of stock. With all the products of Senwes available to JDI, these products are in-turn available to the agricultural sector wherever JDI is represented.

JDI distributes John Deere, Stihl, Lemken, Falcon, Staalmeester and SouthTrade products in its service areas. The company also provides parts and technical services. With more than 100 years of agriculture experience JDI has the know-how to ensure that its products and services measure up to the highest standards in the world.

Harvest time in Albertina

Pieter De Jager bought these equipment from JDI. See the John Deere S670 Combine with a 615 pick-up in action in the video:

  • John Deere S670 Combine with a 615 pick-up

JD Implemente is a proud family business which has been in the Tomlinson family for the past four generations...

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