Marking a landmark partnership for the Australian distribution of Cromax®, a prestige chrome and nickel-chrome plated line of steel products for hydraulic cylinders, Ovako chatted with Stephen Holt, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Hydraulic Steels Australia. Stephen shared his insights on the business, the Australian market, and the future with Ovako.
With over thirty years of experience across New Zealand and Australia, Hydraulic Steels Australia Co-founder and MD Stephen Holt brings a wealth of knowledge to the steel industry. Under his leadership, Hydraulic Steels has become a stalwart in Australia, providing exceptional service and products to the hydraulic cylinder repair market. With a fully-fledged Cromax® distribution partnership with Ovako underway, here is Stephen in his own words:
Could you tell us about the history and growth of Hydraulic Steels Australia, and what led you to partner with Ovako?
S: My wife, Teresa, and I founded Hydraulic Steels in 2012 to support the hydraulic cylinder repair market in Australia. We started from humble beginnings in a small shed. The business rapidly grew, and today we cover over 4500 m² in Brisbane and 1200 m² in Melbourne. Our partnership with Ovako was an exciting development born out of necessity and opportunity. After parting ways with our original supplier in 2018, we sought a world-renowned, long-term supplier, which led us to Ovako. For me, taking on Ovako’s Cromax brand in Australia was a dream turned reality, enabling us to continue providing our customers with premium quality products and services.
What sets Cromax steel apart in the Australian market, and why is it such an in-demand product?
S: Cromax steel has an iconic status; think of it as the pinnacle of steel in this industry. Its reputation for quality is well-established, having been in Australia for 40 years. Originally, it was distributed by another company, and I actually used to compete against Ovako products. In the early 2000s, my dream was to become a distributor for Ovako. But it’s not just me — our customers recognise Cromax for its superior properties, especially when it comes to straightness, ovality, and corrosion resistance, all essential features in the harsh Aussie climate and our heavy industries.
How does Hydraulic Steels ensure it meets the immediate needs of the diverse industries it serves, particularly in scenarios requiring urgent repairs?
S: At Hydraulic Steels, our focus is on providing just-in-time repair services for machinery that's broken down. We hold significant stock to ensure continuity of supply. If we receive an order from 6 am to 1 pm, we strive to dispatch the material that same day, serving customers across the nation. This commitment to rapid response and customer service is a cornerstone of our success.
With the steel industry being highly competitive, how does Hydraulic Steels maintain its edge over competitors?
S: We've simplified our offerings to give our customers what they need most, which is why we focus on Cromax 482. Previously, the market forced customers to choose between CK45 or 42CrMo4 — but in 85-90% of the applications requiring 42CrMo4, Cromax 482 can be a substitute. It has outstanding mechanical properties, weldability, and strength. Moreover, we don't engage in price wars. Instead, we emphasize the availability and quality of Ovako's products, ensuring that we provide immediate dispatch and superior product performance.
Sustainability and environmental responsibility are significant concerns in the industrial sector. How are you addressing these challenges in practice?
S: Australia may be a bit behind globally on sustainability, but we're catching up quickly as the reality of climate change becomes more apparent. Hydraulic Steels is the sole distributor of NiKrom 500 here, which offers not just superior performance but also greater durability, which translates to less waste and a smaller environmental footprint. Additionally, we're investing in automated systems and stock management software that help reduce human mileage in the warehouse and slash our carbon emissions.
Can you share with us a customer story that highlights the impact of the Ovako and Hydraulic Steels partnership?
S: We regularly receive feedback that attests to the superior quality of the products we distribute. One instance involved a customer who had previously experienced issues with cylinder bars rusting. When they switched to Ovako products supplied by Hydraulic Steels, they observed a significant improvement in corrosion resistance and longevity. But beyond specific anecdotes, what's most telling are the everyday comments we get about the steel — "The stuff is absolutely straight. It's the best in the world," they say. And they’re right.
Finally, what are Hydraulic Steels' plans for the future with Ovako? Are there new developments customers can anticipate?
S: Our partnership with Ovako is still budding, but we're anticipating great things. We plan to expand our offerings, including Ovako's other high-quality steel products. We're looking into ways we can enhance our efficiency with automation, and we're always thinking of long-term sustainability, particularly as we face upcoming shifts in environmental legislation. Having already celebrated our 10th anniversary as a business, we're excited to see what the next decade will bring for us and our partnership with Ovako.
To find out more about how Hydraulic Steels Australia operate then head to their website. And If you want to read more about Cromax® then follow the link below.
