Hydramec are 30! Over the last thirty years, Hydramec have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience designing and building Launch and Recovery Systems, in which we now specialise in bespoke marine handling systems.
Founded in 1990 by Peter Church, Hydramec started out repairing ships deck equipment and various hydraulic repairs for local clients in the Great Yarmouth area; now being one of the longest standing family-run engineering businesses in the area. In 1996, Peter was approached to build the first Hydramec LARS from scratch, this became our first crane LARS. Then in 1999, Hydramec built our first A-Frame LARS, which has now become one of our most built products. Since, we have continued to use this as the basis for all our standard LARS’ and to adapt and advance others.
Having been in the firm since 1992, starting as an engineering apprentice, the business was taken over by Danny Church in 2013. Following this, Hydramec has been ever-expanding to become industry leaders in launch and recovery systems, in which we currently have over 200 operating across the globe. We have also advanced our systems over the years to have active heave compensation (AHC), constant tension systems, electric drive winches or bespoke control systems.
The company has not only expanded in size over the years but also our services. We are now able to offer full coded fabrication, offshore coatings, marine engineering, repair, amongst many other things all in house; allowing us to have an even faster turn around and expand the products we are able to deliver to customers.
Over the past few years, Hydramec have realised the need to diversify into other sectors. This has opened up new areas to which Hydramec have already delivered Launch and Recovery Solutions. The latest being a full AHC electric winch and hydraulic A-Frame to the Royal New Zealand Navy. Additionally, we have been building more and more bespoke LARS’ for the Renewable Energy industry as well as becoming heavily involved in the rapidly growing autonomous vessel sector.
Danny Church, Managing Director at Hydramec has said “30 years is a massive milestone for Hydramec. To see the progression from a one-man business to a multi-million-pound turnover company today, employing 50 staff, is a testament to the extremely hard work Audrey and Peter put into starting and laying the foundations of Hydramec and becoming the global leader we consider ourselves to be today. Having an excellent team of people who believe in where I see the company going has given me the confidence to expand the business to meet our client’s extensive needs. I want to thank everyone who has supported us on the way to this great milestone”
Looking to the future, Hydramec will continue to give clients cost-efficient and more environmentally friendly products. We are fortunate to be able to continue to grow, with some very exciting projects in the works.
We are looking forward to the next thirty years!
