History
The Johnson family has been continuously involved in the Australian explosives industry for over 60 years.
JOHNEX explosives traces its roots back to 1953, starting as a trading company for Nobel products. Serving the civil and quarry sectors in VIC and NSW, this marked the inception of the company's journey in the explosives industry.
1964 marked a period of growth as the company ventured into the import and distribution of Japanese Dynamite and Norsk Hydro AN, focusing on large open pit mining. This expansion signified the company's commitment to diversifying its product offerings.
In 1975, JOHNEX explosives embarked on a new journey - manufacturing. Utilizing Gulf Oil Technology, the company began producing bulk and cartridge watergels at its plants in NSW, QLD, and WA, signifying a major shift in its business operations.
The mid-80s were significant for JOHNEX explosives. In 1985, the company initiated the manufacturing of emulsion through a JV with Nitro Nobel, first adopting their technology and then transitioning to in-house technology in 1987. This period marked a remarkable evolution in Johnex's production capabilities.
1989 witnessed another major milestone for JOHNEX explosives with the company expanding into the Asia Pacific region under the banner of Dyno Wesfarmers Ltd. This strategic move extended JOHNEX's reach from its plants in NSW, QLD, and WA, showcasing its intent to make a global impact.
By 1996, JOHNEX explosives developed ECONOTRIM Buttbuster, a coiled cartridge explosive offering industry leading performance, reliability and increased safety in perimeter control and EZI CHARGE lifters for underground operations. With a dedicated plant in QLD and distribution magazines in WA, JOHNEX proved its ability to innovate and meet unique customer needs.
The mid-2000s marked a period of transformation for JOHNEX explosives. In 2004, the company set up the ECONOTRIM Manufacturing Plant in WA. This change was followed by a significant rebranding exercise in 2005, with the company adopting the name 'JOHNEX'.
In 2006,JOHNEX explosives showcased its commitment to safety and operational efficiency by being instrumental in the Beaconsfield Mine Rescue. This was followed by the achievement of ISO 9001 Accreditation in 2008, reinforcing the company's commitment to quality management.
2009 marked another significant year in the company's history with the start of manufacturing cartridge emulsion through a joint venture with Chemrok, while also importing a full range of initiating accessories. This displayed JOHNEX's commitment to a comprehensive and diverse product offering.
By 2012, JOHNEX explosives rolled out the Mighty Pump, the first of their Underground Bulk Emulsion MPU's. This was backed by the establishment of nine licensed bulk emulsion factories following an owner/operator business model. The Mighty Pump would evolve over the next decade to become the JOHNEX i5000 MPU GENIII - an industry leading bulk emulsion platform including modular storage that is achieving record productivity at sites all around Australia. In 2012, JOHNEX also achieved ISO 14001 Accreditation, signaling its commitment to environmental management.
In 2013, JOHNEX explosives further expanded its operations by partnering with Canadian licensor Nordex. The same year, the company achieved ISO 18001 Accreditation, highlighting its unwavering commitment to occupational health and safety management.
2014 was a year of innovation as JOHNEX explosives began manufacturing Specialty Watergel – "Custom Presplit" in NSW. This move once again demonstrated the company's commitment to providing unique solutions to address specific industry needs.
In 2017, JOHNEX explosives signed a product support contract with CSBP and established technical services, reinforcing its dedication to providing exceptional service and support to its customers.
In 2018, JOHNEX explosives expanded its clientele and began delivering down hole services to RTIO/BHP Iron Ore. This move represented a significant step in the company's journey, demonstrating its ability to service leading players in the industry.
2019 was a landmark year for JOHNEX explosives as it saw the establishment of the Kwinana Emulsion Factory. Moreover, the company carried out a record 50m Uphole mass blast (100t) in 2020, demonstrating its exceptional technical capabilities.
In 2020, JOHNEX explosives further embraced digitalization by launching the Pulse digital assets platform. This marked a significant step towards ensuring seamless operations and better servicing of client needs in the digital age. As the company reflects on its journey, it continues to move forward with its commitment to innovation, customer service, and operational excellence.