Our friendly team is highly experienced and consists of the following members.
OUR PEOPLE
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ben Funnekotter (B Sc Hons: Agric)
Ben has a total of 36 years experience in the production of seedlings, of which 18 have been at The Seedling Factory. He has agronomic experience and often helps growers with advice on how to deal with certain nutritional and disease issues.
DIRECTOR
Barry Winterbourn
Barry started in the horticultural industry over 45 years ago growing containerised plants for the major chains. He then purchased the seedling nursery from the Sumich Group and from there The Seedling Factory was born.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Grant Swan
With a Bachelor of Environmental Science, Grant brings over 5 years of experience in farm management and greenhouse crop production. Additionally, he has spent 7 years in the horticulture industry, specialising in the supply of agricultural input products and providing expert agronomic advice.
LOGISTICS AND DISPATCH
Mark Fouweather
Mark has been at The Seedling Factory for 19 years, and has a total of 34 years nursery experience. Apart from his growing experience, Mark deals with the dispatch of all plants grown at the nursery and assists with the logistics of running such a large facility.
ADMINISTRATION
Amanda Muller
Amanda has worked in administration her whole life. She brings stability and continuity to the team with all aspects of order and office management. She has been an important team member for over 8 years now.
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Terry Skea
Terry has farmed the whole of his adult life and is a very valued team member, having been at The Seedling Factory for 14 years where he oversees production and quality matters.