By lisaha01
Copyright engineeringnews
Hydraulink is celebrating 80 years of supporting industries across New Zealand, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific.
Founded in 1945 as Burr & Douglas, the business began in a small Auckland workshop, supplying agricultural customers before moving to Pukekohe in 1953 to manufacture hydraulic fittings. The Hydraulink brand launched in 1973, quickly recognised for its bold yellow vans and “Best under pressure” reputation and branding.
The company says it is a name synonymous with “trust, reliability, and service”.
A turning point came in 1989 when Lee Short and Noel Davies purchased the business, then with just a few vans and outlets. They built a strong brand and loyal distribution network, leading to today’s position of “market leadership in New Zealand” with seven company-owned outlets, more than 70 distribution partners, and over 140 mobile service technicians providing 24/7 nationwide support.
Expansion into Australia in 2001 established a significant presence, later driven by managing director Denis Matulin, who has doubled the business and extended its reach into new regions. Today, Australia now operates 14 company-owned outlets, 128 franchise partners, and 227 mobile service technicians. Further growth into Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines has cemented Hydraulink’s reputation as a trusted service partner across the Asia-Pacific.
At the heart of Hydraulink’s success are dedicated people who embody its values daily. “Hydraulink has always been about people and partnerships,” says Davies. Looking ahead, the company continues to grow alongside its customers, committed to innovation and service for decades to come.
Customers benefit from accessible hose services, technical expertise, and a wide product range including hoses, fittings, lubrication, and fire suppression systems. The company represents brands such as Gates, Semperit, and Muster.
