Hydraulink is celebrating 80 years of operation, a milestone that reflects steady expansion from its origins in a small Auckland workshop to an international hydraulic solutions network spanning New Zealand, Australia, and the wider Asia-Pacific.
Co-owner Noel Davies says the company’s progress has always rested on two key things. “Hydraulink has always been about people and partnerships, and it’s inspiring to see how our staff, technicians, and network partners embrace that every day,” says Davies.
Fellow co-owner Lee Short takes it further, saying the Hydraulink name has been built on the back of trust, reliability and service, too.
Short says: “The commitment, hydraulic expertise, and energy across the Hydraulink network ensure the business continues to grow while staying true to the values we built this brand on.”
Founded in 1945 as Burr & Douglas, the company initially supplied agricultural customers before relocating to Pukekohe in 1953 to begin manufacturing hydraulic fittings. The Hydraulink name was introduced in 1973, coinciding with a push into wider industrial markets and later came the now well-known slogan promoting the reputation for being ‘Best under pressure’.
A pivotal moment came in 1989, when Short and Davies purchased the business. At that stage, Hydraulink had just a handful of vans and outlets. Their focus on brand strength and distribution laid the foundation for national coverage. Today, the New Zealand arm operates seven company-owned outlets and partners with more than 70 distributors. A fleet of over 140 mobile service technicians provides 24/7 coverage across the country, with support extended into most Pacific Island nations.
Trans-Tasman expansion
Hydraulink’s international growth accelerated in 2001 with the acquisition of Auspower in Sydney. This gave the business a foothold in Australia, supported by a distribution centre and small branch network. Robin Simpson, now CEO of Hydraulink New Zealand, was based in Australia in 2004 to help stabilise growth.
Since 2017, managing director Denis Matulin has overseen a period of expansion, doubling the size of the Australian business and extending into new regions and industries. Today, Hydraulink operates 14 company-owned outlets in Australia, supported by 128 franchise partners and more than 227 mobile service technicians. Operations have also been established in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines.
Customer service and technical support
Alongside geographic growth, Hydraulink has broadened its product and service offering. Its branch and mobile networks supply hydraulic hose services, technical expertise, and a full range of industrial hoses, fittings, lubrication, and fire suppression systems. The company also represents a portfolio of global brands, including Gates, Diesse, Semperit, Faster, Transfer Oil, Finn Power, SKF Lincoln lubrication, and Muster fire suppression.
Hydraulink’s yellow service vans are now a familiar sight across farms, construction sites, transport hubs, forestry operations, and mines.
Partnerships and profile
The company highlights its workforce and distribution partners as central to its success.
That same focus has also supported high-profile partnerships, including its long-standing role as official supplier of hydraulic hose and fittings to Emirates Team New Zealand since 1995. Hydraulink contributed to three consecutive America’s Cup victories, culminating in Barcelona in 2024.
Looking forward
Hydraulink’s leadership team continues to invest in training and innovation, while maintaining the focus on customer service that has shaped its development over eight decades.
“Eighty years is a milestone worth celebrating,” says Davies. “And we see it as just the beginning. With our people, partners, and customers, Hydraulink will keep innovating and delivering trusted hydraulic service for decades to come.”
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