With the current facilities and specialised equipment & tooling, the business expanded its activities including general servicing, engine, diffuser and gearbox overhauls and diagnostics, radiator repairs, auto electrical work including air conditioner re-gasing, engineering, suspension and brake overhauls, wheel alignments, maintenance of irrigation engines and new engine sales. The business has expanded rapidly from servicing 10 local trucks in the original workshop to developing a regular clientele list of over 500. The business operated as a family partnership until September 1993 by which time operations had reached a size that gave rise to become an incorporated entity and saw the organisation continue to trade as Tatiara Truck & Trailers Pty Ltd.

The partnership between John Jenkin and his original partner dissolved in 1988 and at this time, John elected to continue on the business, forming a partnership with his wife Ann Jenkin. The completion of the premises was in February 1997, which the business is currently operating from. It wasn’t long before the partners decided that they needed more room and after looking at several options including the possible move to Kaniva, with the assistance of the Tatiara District Council land was purchased in the newly developed Industrial Estate in 1996. The business, known back then as “Tatiara Trucks” ran from a workshop in the Bordertown township, with the main activity being heavy vehicle servicing and minor repairs. John Jenkin began business in 1983 as a partnership employing just four staff. “On top of that, it’s our 20 year celebration, so it should be a really good night.” The celebration calls for a brief history of Tatiara Truck & Trailers that has become a reliable company known throughout the state. Shareholder and employee Jaime Virgin said “There is a great line up of suppliers which should be really beneficial for customers & the Kenworth T610 Roadshow is a bonus. The big night will he held at the workplace from 4pm on March 10 with a showcase of brands and equipment in the trucking industry. Tatiara Truck & Trailers are celebrating 20 years on Bordertown’s industrial estate with a Kenworth T610 Roadshow and trade night.

Tatiara truck and trailers