Robertson’s Yass – Steven Masters and Jerome Hope.
Robertson’s Landscape & Haulage is a locally owned and run business in Yass which has been going strong in recent months. The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused an increase in home improvement due to many people working from home. Robertson’s had seen a rise in demand for garden supplies bought during this time which has since resumed to the usual level. However, Jerome Hope said that spring is upon us and they are gearing up for the warmer weather. Mr Hope is the Financial and Administration Manager of Robertson’s and has been working there for the past two years. He has a Diploma of Logistics and is a Certified Practising Accountant. He is one of 17 staff members, a number that has increased in the past few months.
“I was working in Canberra when the position came up here, and I took it. It makes a big difference with less travel and more time to spend with the family,” said Mr Hope.
Robertson’s Landscape Supplies used to be a trucking yard but became a trucking and landscaping yard in 1984. Steven Masters has been there from the beginning of the Landscaping business. Starting as a truck driver for Robertson’s, Masters then became an owner-driver sub-contractor to the business. In 1997 he then transitioned into a management role, taking on the responsibility of Logistics Manager of the trucking side of the business.
“At the beginning, it was industry experience to get the job”, Said Mr Masters about his appointment to the role of Logistics Manager. “These days there is constant training required to fill the role such as WHS training.” “What most people don’t realise is aside from the landscaping business we do a lot of heavy hauling too”, said Mr Hope. “Our trucks haul from the local quarries to various places around the region, and we are involved in providing material to major projects.” In the hauling side of the business, Robertson’s works closely with Elvin Group based in the ACT. They deal in concrete and providing accessories. Robertson does not only have veterans in the industry such as Mr Masters but have also added a new truck driver to their fleet and a new employee to their yard. To work in the yard, you need several licences to meet safety regulations. These include a forklift licence, an NSW higher risk licence and several other machinery licences. Robertson’s train their employees and pay for these licences as necessary. “Robertson’s is a great place to work,” said Mr Masters.
“Rowena and Brenden Abbey took over seven years ago. They really look after their employees and take care of everyone.” Currently, Robertson’s have a lot of products on display for home improvement such as pavers, garden mix, and retaining wall materials. A primary seller at the moment is their new Equine pellets. These are to replace sawdust which has become very sparse since the fire at the beginning of 2020. Equine pellets are used for horse bedding, and when wet, the pellets expand into a sawdust substitute. “90% of our products are sourced locally. The business we do locally flows from us into the region and helps to support the community,” said Mr Hope. September brings the start of spring, and the warmer weather is the perfect time to get out in the garden. Robertson’s Yass Landscape Supplies provides a wide range of products for your garden.
The Yass Valley Times thanks our advertisers including Robertson’s Yass Landscape & Haulage for their valued support.
