I would like to take this opportunity to share some key observations that inspire me with great confidence that the future of Alpine is in good hands.
As I’ve been working closely on all facets of the Alpine business for 12 years now, it is my firm belief that 2019 heralds a new and prosperous chapter in Alpine’s long history, which spans more than 50 years in business.
A brief history
Alpine Nurseries was founded as a family business by the Maait’s in the mid 70’s at West Pennant Hills. It quickly outgrew the site, triggering a move to the current property at Dural. From the early days, Alpine earned a reputation for quality, particularly for supply to high end residential landscaping.
In 2002, Peter and Kay Knox purchased the business, and under Peter’s directorship, undertook a rapid expansion program. The Knox family developed Alpine’s state-of-the-art nursery at Alstonville and expanded into an existing nursery facility at Arcadia; only a 10-minute drive from Dural. These new sites grew Alpine’s production capacity from around 25 to 100 acres that it is today.
The Knox family understood Alpine’s reputation for quality. They successfully grew the business around one key principal; Quality Matters.
On 18 December 2018, the Green family purchased Alpine Nurseries. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Tony Green, Alpine Nurseries Chairman, and the Alpine Board since the date of purchase.
Business as usual
To this day, Alpine Nurseries remains a family business. The Green family have proudly been part of nursery business for over 40 years and understand what running a nursery is all about. Ultimately, theirs is a long term investment. Unlike our politicians, decisions at Alpine are made on the basis of what’s best for business in the long term.
The Green family bought Alpine based on its reputation for quality. The Green family recognise that our reputation is the result of the great people working here, some of which have worked with all three families. Retaining and continuing to develop our people is the key to our future success. This is a major priority for me as General Manager.
It is our intention to continue to invest in growing the business by expanding our production capacity. We will continue with business improvement projects, including continuous improvement of our sales model to help support our aim of excellence in customer service.
Alpine’s customers can expect no change in the way we do things around here, especially with regard to our guiding principle of quality.
I will finish by saying I’m very positive about our future and the landscape industry in its broadest definition. On behalf of the entire Alpine team, we look forward to working with the Green family further, and with our existing and future customers and suppliers as we continue to go from strength to strength.
Ken Bevan