THREE hundred rand was all it took to start Queensburgh Plant Sales 30 years ago. Roger Thorne, who already had many years of practical and management experience in South Africa and abroad by 1977, saw a need for the reliable supply of quality second-hand machine parts and spares for earthmoving equipment, something that was not then being met in the market at the time.

"There was no real big break, but rather a series of events that got me to start the business. I saw a gap in the market for this type of trade and so I got in at the right time," he said. From its humble beginnings, Queensburgh Plant Sales grew as Roger's reputation for respect, integrity and fairness became known. To this day he is still known by some business associates and friends as "Honest Rog"!

Over the years as the company grew, they began to stock parts for many other machines, in addition to the Galions and JCB's with which Queensburgh Plant Sales had begun. Although based in Durban, Roger Thorne and his team became aware that they were selling many machines and parts in the Johannesburg area. "As a result we opened a branch in Bapsfontein and recruited Wikus de Beer, who also has many years of earthmoving experience. He was a fine choice as a partner for our Johannesburg operation," Roger said. The Johannesburg branch is now 12 years in operation and employs 12 staff members.

Today, Queensburgh Plant Sales has an extensive range of new and used spares for many makes of earthmoving equipment and machines including Galion, Komatsu, Caterpillar, Clark / Michigan, Hanomag, Hitachi, Detroit Diesel / GM Engines, Aveling Barford, Volvo, Hough, Case, Bomag, Dynapac and JCB to name just a few! Their customers range from one-man businesses to municipalities and earthmoving companies throughout southern Africa and even as far as Australia. With the earthmoving sales industry being very dynamic, Queensburgh Plant Sales always strive to ensure that the latest technologies are available to its customers.

As to the secret of his company still being in business after 30 years, for Roger Thorne the formula is not complicated: "Hard work, integrity and service excellence have kept us going," he says and adds with a laugh, "lots of hard work!"

What makes this 30 years anniversary even more special is that his sons, Bob and Ashley have joined the business. Bob has been with Queensburgh Plant Sales for 12 years and Ashley, joined them 3 years ago. "With both my sons here, this has become a family business and after I retire, they will continue to develop Queensburgh Plant Sales into a company we are all proud of."

Balancing being a father and a boss has its challenges, Thorne Senior admits, but more important to him is that Queensburgh Plant Sales is a thriving family enterprise that could continue for generations. "It's good for my sons that they don't have to go through what I had to in the early days!" he jokes.

Bob and Ashley are obviously very proud of their father's accomplishments over the years, adding that at the age of 67, Roger Thorne is still at the plant everyday, energetic and ready to work.

Queensburgh Plant Sales has grown to become one of the largest suppliers of new and used quality machine parts in southern Africa, and is positioned to continue to offer top-level service and quality parts to its customers worldwide.