50 years of Hedley Hydraulics: from workshop beginnings to trusted industry name

1976 – 2026

This year marks a significant milestone for Hedley Hydraulics: our 50th anniversary. Half a century on from our founding, we’re taking a moment to look back at where we started, celebrate how far we’ve come, and thank the people who have made it all possible: our team, our customers and our partners.

Where it all began

Hedley Hydraulics was founded in 1976, at a time when the hydraulics industry looked very different to how it does today. What started as a small operation has grown over five decades into a trusted name, supporting industries across the UK and around the world.

Co-founder David Oldfield (retired) reflects on those early days:

“In 1976 (when the world was black and white!) four engineers got together and registered Hedley Hydraulics Ltd. I was one of those engineers, and in the 50 years since, the company has grown and worked in the hydraulic and related industries throughout the UK and the world, including Australia, Bahrain, Hungary, Sierra Leone, Sweden, the USA, France, Germany, Monaco, Spain and the Netherlands.

“Applications have ranged from presses, mechanical handling, dock loading ramps, lock gates, bridges, swimming pools, oil production, test rigs and mining equipment, as well as standard and special purpose hydraulic units. Quite often, contracts would include design, manufacture, installation and commissioning… the full package! We’ve been involved in most industries, including steel making, pizza and pie production, automotive radiator production and chemical filtration.

“Hedley’s has grown from the original four to become part of a large national organisation covering all aspects of the hydraulic industry. A company is only as good as its employees, and it’s a tribute to the company and its working practices that so many of the staff have remained with us for many years.

“Well done Hedley’s, long may you continue!”

David Hedley Oldfield

A business built for the future

Today, Hedley Hydraulics operates from a modern facility in Wakefield. It’s a world away from where the company started, but built on exactly the same foundations.

Our Managing Director shares his thoughts on what this milestone means for the business:

“Hedley continues to build on its heritage values, people are key to its success not just from a technical and knowledge perspective, but also in its customer services, operations and support capabilities. The world has changed significantly since 1976, Hedley will ensure that its core values continue, it will continue to adapt successfully to embrace new technologies, challenges and opportunities across the business sectors it serves in the hydraulics industry. As part of the R&G Fluid Power Group, we can offer our customers a broader range of products and technologies than ever before, allowing Hedley Hydraulics to act as a one-stop shop for all their hydraulic needs. As a team we are looking forward to another 50 years in business and growing even more.”

Lee Nichols, Managing Director, Hedley Hydraulics

Stronger together

As part of the R&G Fluid Power Group, Hedley Hydraulics is proud to keep building on the foundations laid in 1976.

To everyone who has been part of our story so far, thank you. Here’s to the next chapter.