This month, AR Jones Engineering celebrates a remarkable 10-year milestone — a journey that began with humble beginnings, hard work, and a determined belief in a better future.
Antonio Jones, the driving force behind the company, grew up in Klawer as the son of a single mother who worked as a domestic worker and seasonal farm labourer to support her family. He completed his early schooling locally and matriculated from Vredendal Secondary School. Although he wanted to attend university after school, financial constraints made it impossible at the time.
In 2005, he was able to pursue that dream, funding his own studies in Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch University. These early challenges laid the foundation for the resilience that would later define his career.
A bold start and tough lessons
In 2016, amid uncertainty at Saldanha Works, Antonio and his wife, Sharon, made a life-changing decision. “The biggest motivation was the risk of job security. If the company had to close, we would both be without work,” he explains.
With Sharon’s support, he took the leap and started AR Jones Engineering — alone, from his garage. “It was not easy. One of the biggest challenges is entering the market and convincing people to use your services. If people don’t know you, they don’t trust you.”
He recalls how difficult it was to get the business off the ground: “As an engineer, you focus on the technical work. Suddenly, I also had to become a salesman. I remember how difficult it was to make those first cold calls and ask people to do business with you.”
And the disappointments were real. “You prepare the perfect pitch, and then you get rejected time and time again. But you keep going. You have to.”
Building for the future
Now, 10 years later, AR Jones Engineering is quite literally building its next chapter. The company is currently developing its own 450 m² workshop — an important investment in growth and sustainability.
“We want to invest in equipment that will make us more effective and more sustainable,” explains Jones. “For example, an overhead crane will allow us to handle larger and heavier projects in the workshop.”
He adds that this investment will not only increase capacity but also improve long-term cost efficiency. “It will help us work smarter and deliver better value to our clients.”
Another key focus is skills development. “We plan to work with institutions to promote skills development in the area. We don’t just want to create jobs — we want to equip people.”
A heart for the community
Community upliftment remains close to Antonio’s heart. Since 2017, AR Jones Engineering has supported schools by sponsoring awards for learners who excel in Mathematics and Physical Science.
“For me, it’s personal,” he says. “Education changed my life. In many of our communities, children grow up in poverty, but with better education, you can build a better future.”
He believes these subjects are key to opportunity. “In engineering, you need to be able to think and work with numbers. If we can support our children in that, we give them a real chance.”
The company also invests in skills development through its ARPL programme in partnership with MERSETA. “We help people who already have the skills but not formal qualifications to qualify as welders. That’s how you uplift individuals and communities.”
Gratitude and looking ahead
“We started small, but we dreamed big,” says Jones. “To now celebrate 10 years is a great privilege.”
He concludes with a message to clients and the community: “Thank you for believing in us. We look forward to building many more years together.”
Would you like to work with a team that prioritises quality and growth? Contact AR Jones Engineering today.
Website: www.arjones-engineering.com
Email: info@arjones-engineering.com
Tel: 022 772 0198
