History

In 1971 John & Joy Englefield commenced wine grape transportation in addition to their dryland farming, stock and transport business.

John’s early years of wine grape transport evolved around sourcing and supplying wine grapes to De Bortoli Wines in Griffith NSW, mainly from the Robinvale area. Source areas soon expanded to Swan Hill and Sunraysia when both Miranda and Toorak Wines in the MIA recognised the advantages of outsourcing fruit.

The mid 70’s saw the introduction of their two sons, Michael & Kevin, to the business as primary loaders and operators, with Kevin taking on the additional role of transport operator in 1979.

Lyn McAlister was employed in 1992, assisting the family with their data processing.

Early 1999 saw Kevin cease interstate driving to work at management level with his father, to assist with the day to day operations that vintage demanded.

John passed away in September 2003, but not before implementing a generational change of management of the family business.

Trading commenced late September 2003 under the new and existing name, K. Englefield Wine Grape Services Pty. Ltd. (KEWGS). Kevin’s position as Managing Director of the company incorporates overall management of the business and the day to day operations.

Lyn McAlister took over the role of office manager in September 2003, due to Joy’s retirement, and manages all aspects of accounts and administration.

Vintage 2004 planning under new management included necessary expansion, with a 5 year plan for a 20% increase per annum. This resulted in a rapid increase of bins, trucks, cranes and enhanced logistics.

Kevin and Lyn married in September 2007, strengthening the positive direction and commitment of KEWGS and its future.

KEWGS many facets of strength include large resources and logistics, new technology, safe work practices, long term employees/contractors and quality service. Along with the flexibility to cater to individual customer requirements, large or small.

Outstanding are the core strengths instilled by John and Joy Englefield from the start: Commitment – Resourcefulness – Integrity. Inherent legacies that are utilized everyday within the business.

On the eve of 40 years of service, KEWGS is fiercely linked to its ‘grass roots family business ’ and is not only determined to continue with all of these strengths, but to develop additional new strengths as it evolves through future vintages.