Integrated Hydraulics Limited (IHL) began 25 years ago with just two staff members and has grown to a team of more than 30, with an annual turnover of $8.5 million.

The company is primarily a hydraulic control manifold manufacturer for the transport, marine, forestry and mining industries. More than 30,000 manifolds and machined parts are manufactured at its factory each year and exported to six countries worldwide.

General manager Richard Craig says the company was grown on the back of the hydraulics industry and they have diversified over the years. “We have a brand of mountain bike components we build in-house and sell, as well as other customised, one-off general machining work – we are not just about hydraulics.”

He says the key to the company’s success is focusing on what they do well. “We also manufacture a lot of ‘fit to use’ supplies, where the customer can just take the parts out of a bag and bolt his parts to it. We are one of the only companies in the world that can do that for low volume production.

“That’s the success that the company has grown on and now we are trying to expand that and add other products to that model. We are always looking for anything we can improve on.”

Richard, who has been a part of the company since 1996, says IHL has continually evolved its manufacturing processes to stay competitive in the industry. “While some companies will get to a point where they are happy then just plough along, we continually upgrade – whether it be the process tooling, after machining or using the latest software and technology.

“Combined with our experienced and dedicated team, we are able to ensure that our customers receive a product that is superior in functionality as well as quality.”

Today, 60 percent of IHL’s revenue is derived from product exported directly to Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. The company is looking to expand its presence in Australia, and continuing to diversify beyond its core product line.

Ongoing growth is Richard’s goal for the future of the business. “Our vision is to consistently keep up to date with the next levels of technology, software, and production planning. We are always looking to new markets, to see what’s developing and where we can offer some value.”