Since taking the reins of production at J. Smith & Sons in 1975, Kerren has played a pivotal role in securing and maintaining new and existing markets in the very volatile on- and off-road transport industry. Kerren has been the Managing Director of J. Smith & Sons since 1993 and brings over 35 years of industry experience to the company. In addition to his role in his families company, Kerren is also Director of the Cooloola Regional Development Board and has recently resigned from his 10 year post serving on the Queensland Cricket Board as President of Queensland Junior Cricket.
Kerren is well respected in the Transport, Construction & Engineering, and Mining Industries internationally.
Kevin McDonnell – Engineering ManagerGraduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), Kevin joined J. Smith & Sons to support the increasingly demanding design load the company was experiencing in 1994. Prior to completing his degree, Kevin undertook his undergraduate thesis with Haulmark trailers, using Finite Element Analysis to study their product design. Following that, he spent six months with Evans Deakin on a coal shiploader project that was later implemented in Balikpapan. Here at Smith’s, Kevin has been responsible for the development of some of the worlds most advanced highway and mining equipment. Kevin also introduced Finite Element Analysis to Smiths, which is undertaken for companies around the world, assessing designs and equipment for flaws, as well as developing cost-saving innovations for developing countries.
M: 0439 821 166 | E: kevinmcd@smithson.com.au
Peter Birch – Financial Controller
Peter joined J. Smith & Sons in 2008. Peter brings over 30 years of experience and knowledge in finance to the company. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a CPA. Prior to joining us at Smiths, Peter has worked in senior finance roles in a diverse range of industries including direct marketing, wholesale distribution, travel & freight.
E: peter.birch@smithson.com.au
Roger Marrington – Sales/Technical
Roger has over 15 years experience in the Transport industry, most of these years spent at Smiths designing and selling Smith equipment. After studying his Bachelor of Engineering, Roger joined Smiths to assist the Engineering department in the design of product. As demand grew for the Smith equipment, an exceptionally knowledgeable sales representative was needed to support the sales team. Roger is the sales consultant who understands your needs and can interpret them to design.
E: roger.marrington@smithson.com.au
Edgar Brus – Factory Manager
Ed is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of product through the Smith factory. Ed has worked at Smiths for over 19 years. Early in his career, Ed trained as an apprentice boilermaker at Mt Isa Mines. During this time, he was awarded ‘Apprentice of the Year’. Following that, Ed trained apprentices in the classroom setting. Ed joined Smiths as a pressure welder on the factory floor in 1981. Ed soon became a Leading Hand, assuming his current role as Factory Manager soon after.
E: edgar.brus@smithson.com.au
James Hetherington – Aftermarket Service & Support
James has over 15 years experience in the Transport industry. Ten of those years were spent in the role of store manager at the Gympie branch of Beaurepairs. After this, James joined the team at Smiths as Aftermarket Service & Support Supervisor. James can help you with all the technical information and spare parts needs for your Smith products.
M: 0407 125 012 | E: james.hetherington@smithson.com.au
Kerren's Comment
Kerren Smith – Managing Director
