Our Goulburn Valley
Consumer Goods
The SPC story continues for the Prentice family LOCAL owners of SPC Factory Sales in Shepparton, Andrew and son, Samuel Prentice are proud of their role in providing a direct to the public outlet for the Goulburn Valley’s own SPC branded products. But it’s their long, lesser known association with the factory which brings them the most amount of pride. Andrew Prentice was the former owner and operator of Prentice Orchards at Orrvale, and was the third generation in their orcharding family, supplying fresh local fruit to the region. In fact, Prentice Orchards were one of the original fruit growers to supply to the SPC co-op right from its inception in 1917. Andrew Prentice was also on the board of SPC for 12 years experiencing history first hand with both the merge between SPC and Ardmona fruit products as well as the sale of the business to Coca-Cola Amatil. Over time, Andrew started to consider
his succession plan within the orcharding industry and it was at that time that Jim Andreadis approached Andrew and son, Samuel with the idea of taking over the SPC Factory Sales operation. Andrew said, “I felt very fortunate to have an opportunity to work with my son and to continue to be associated with such an iconic business as SPC. “At the time, we had been scaling down our fruit growing interests and SPC had been such a big part of our lives, it just seemed so fitting that we continue with the brand in a new capacity.” Samuel said, “People feel a real connection to the SPC brands both here in the Goulburn Valley and all around the country and we especially feel that connection given our beginnings. We’re proud to continue our role in providing the community with not only SPC products, but also other favourite big name brands as well.”
PRIDE OF THE REGION… From left, Samuel, Georgina, Linda and Andrew Prentice. Photo: Alicia Niglia.
Adapting and growing with change since 1947
BUILDING A FAMILY OWNED SUCCESS… From left, Tom Bennett, David Hunter and Michael Moroney are three generations who are helping build the success of WB Hunter Group. Photo: Emma Hillier. Page 20 August 2016 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring, Innovation & Prosperity - The Shepparton Adviser
WB HUNTER has been a part of the Goulburn Valley since its beginnings in 1947. Founder, William “Bill” Birchall chose Shepparton as the ideal base for the business due to its rich farming community and diverse industry conditions. Today, the company is a far cry from its humble beginnings, employing over 100 staff and existing as a core part of three major buying groups including NRI (Rural), Home Hardware (Timber and Hardware) and Indepet (Pet Supplies). WB Hunter Home Hardware from its custom built site in Florence Street, Shepparton is responsible for a supply reach encompassing the entire Goulburn Valley as well as Southern New South Wales incorporating industries such as gardening/landscaping, building, concreting, steel fabrication, agricultural sectors including dairy, grazing, cropping, horticulture, horse training and ‘DIY’ animal nutrition. WB Hunter Home Hardware store manager, Peter Lloyd said, “Being a local family operated business in close contact with the region and its communities, WB Hunter has the capability of adapting to meet the changes to local economy and environment. “As the need is recognised we’re able to implement new strategies such as our field service team made up of agronomists and animal nutritionists who were sourced to better meet the needs of our farming community. “We employ people who are leaders within their field of expertise because our customers are important to us. Our team members have the customer service skills and the product knowledge to assist our customers across industries at every level. “Looking towards the future, we look forward to continuing to grow as a family operated business, pursuing new lines and opportunities within all aspects of the business. Continuing to introduce recognised and trusted brands such as STIHL, Thomas Cook, Caterpillar clothing and more.”