For more than 60 years, Hydrasearch has provided valuable components to the maritime and aerospace markets. Now, with a desire for expansion, the company is reaching new heights by tackling new aerospace markets. Vice President of Sales Patrick Garrett gave insight into the latest developments, in an exclusive interview. Report by Imogen Ward.
With the desire to expand its capabilities, Hydrasearch has successfully obtained a crucial certification that gives it access to a sector previously off limits.
“We are actually in a really good position right now,” said Vice President of Sales Patrick Garrett. “In November 2023, we received our AS9100D certification, which allows us to enter the commercial aerospace market. What we are noticing more and more is that this sector needs more manufacturers who are certified. So, that has provided us with a solid foothold moving forward.”
Now in talks with tier 1 suppliers in the aerospace sector, Hydrasearch is geared to take on an
aggressive approach to get its name out there.
“We already have experience in the aerospace market, specifically on the defense side,” Mr Garrett explained. “But this really opens a lot of doors for us. We are planning on attending a lot more aerospace tradeshows this year, and we are looking forward to talking to the tier 1 suppliers like Boeing and Lockheed and offering our services to them, because this was just not feasible before.”
The company has started several negotiations with suppliers in this sector, having already provided them with quotes, and hopes to see new relationships blossom before the end of this year.
AEGIS SALES & ENGINEERING INC.
Celebrating our valued partnerships with Hydrasearch, and the whole marine industry, we proudly deliver precision-machined products promptly and flawlessly. We celebrate our collaborations, ensuring every component meets the client’s specifications and tolerances, driving success together. We chart a course of excellence, propelling our customers' success on the waves of innovation.
Founded in 1962, Hydrasearch specializes in fluid transfer systems, custom machined parts, and components for clients in marine and aerospace. The company supports its customers’ day to day needs, as well as more long term projects, utilizing its brands technical products, Buck Algonquin, Pro-Mar, and Arctic Steel.
Ace acquisitions
Last year, in an effort to expand, Hydrasearch acquired a marine military line from Danfoss Power Solutions (the Iowa-based fluid power pump and motor manufacturers). As a result, Hydrasearch’s marine military capabilities have expanded significantly.
“Just in its first year alone, this new line has increased our marine military offerings by around 30 percent, and we expect to see a significant increase throughout 2024,” Mr Garrett continued. “The demand for this line hasn’t slowed down since we acquired it, which is fantastic.”
Hydrasearch also invested in a 30,000 sqft facility expansion to accommodate the new line. In May 2023, following
a cor porate realignment, Bearon Aquatics (Hydrasearch’s sister company dedicated to the manufacture of the Ice Eater) also relocated into Hydrasearch’s freshly extended facility and took on a new name.
“Bearon Aquatics manufactured Ice Eaters which help move water and prevent ice from forming around docks,” Mr Garrett explained. “During a corporate realignment, the company’s product line was seen as a better fit with Hydrasearch’s offering and its distribution network. It was then decided that the company would be integrated into Hydrasearch as Hydrasearch Aquatics.”
I mproving through investment
Dedicated to providing the very best quality, Hydrasearch also regularly invests in new equipment. In 2023, the company acquired a new optical comparator, a hexagon scanning arm and an XRF gun, which provides chemical readouts of materials. Thanks to this scanner, the company can now successfully reverse engineer solutions that are no longer manufactured.
“We pride ourselves on quality; it is one of the most important elements of our
manufacturing process,” said Mr Garrett. “So, we are always quick to reinvest in equipment that helps improve our quality.
“Last year, we bought a new XRF gun, which is really going to help advance our ability to help clients. We can use this equipment for reverse engineering, which will be especially useful for the Navy because its manufacturers have disappeared over the years. So, when it needs equipment built and there’s no other manufacturer left to do it, we can use the gun to work out what material it is made of and make a 3D rendering of the part – which can be used for future manufacturing.”
Hydrasearch has also invested in a new multi-axis CNC tube bending machine which has added a new capability to its roster.
“Tube bending will really help with our desire to expand in aerospace, as they’re in short supply of companies that can do it,” Mr Garrett added.
Critical collaboration
Over the years, Hydrasearch has built up a solid reputation for reliability and
quality. This is, in part, thanks to the hard work and commitment of its suppliers.
“We work very closely with our vendors,” Mr Garrett continued. “I have always looked at Hydrasearch as an oligopoly because our vendors are equally as important as our customers. So, we communicate and collaborate with them every day. They’re truly our partners in this.”
The company regularly collaborates with its sister companies, Buck Foundry and Richmond Foundry, as well. As som e of its top vendors, Hydrasearch relies on the resources and reliability of these two foundries.
Also helping the company to achieve 100% customer satisfaction is its hardworking specialist workforce.
“Because we are in so many different markets, we have to really focus on who we hire,” said Mr Garrett. “In the last three years, we have added intention to bring on board specialists that really understand the market and how we
tackle it. The benefit of that is that these individuals join Hydrasearch with a knowledge base, and they’re not only able to help the customer, but they’re able to be a solution base for them as well.”
Since implementing this tactic, Hydrasearch has noticed a positive impact on customer contentment and workplace efficiency.
As it looks to the future
Hydrasearch is focused on developing trusted partner ships in new and current markets. The company is also working with governing bodies and system integrators to ensure its name is thought of when ships are being designed.
“Hydrasearch is in a really good position,” Mr Garrett concluded. “Being present in so many markets allows us to stay stable when one slips. We are expecting a recession in recreational boating, and when that happens, we intend to lean heavier into our work with the Navy. We can quickly shift resources to wherever they are needed most.
“We have been around since 1962, and we plan to be here for many more years to come. With new people entering the market, we want to retain our presence and make sure people know exactly who we are and what we do.”
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