Our company name, Sykes Group, comes from the combination of two businesses with a very strong heritage in Australia. Sykes opened its doors in Perth, Western Australia in 1988, with the Sykes brand having its origins in the UK many years earlier. The connection to Australia though, dates back to 1967, when Henry Sykes Pumps Pty Ltd started importing pumps and equipment to Australian shores.
The Sykes pumps were so successful in our country that the company established a plant in Gateshead, NSW, and started manufacturing in 1974. The company became fully Australian owned in 1992, enabling it to focus on its local operations.
In 1988, Sykes became a lighting tower specialist, with its seven staff working tirelessly to build the company. Rapid growth saw the company begin exporting five years later, before entering the power generation market in the following year. By 1997, the company had built its 1,000th lighting tower and by 1999, Sykes added another stream to its portfolio by entering the pump market. In a matter of months, the company surpassed another milestone, having reached 2,000 manufactured towers.
Both businesses continued to build on their strengths and reputations. Sykes became a distributor of generators and engines, whilst the renamed Sykes Group Pty Ltd was making strong inroads into international markets.
With both companies well established as leaders in their field, a merger between the two was astutely seen as being mutually beneficial. In 2010 Sykes took over Sykes Group, and Sykes Group was born.
Having such strong origins in the design and manufacturing of both lighting towers and pumps, Sykes Group is at the forefront of these markets internationally. With the exclusive distribution of FG Wilson generators and Perkins engines, we also have a strong foothold in the power market.
Whether it’s custom made or ready-made, Sykes Group has the products, ingenuity, expertise and distribution to solve all customers lighting, pumping and power needs. For over 50 years, we have been working tirelessly to ensure we are a supplier of choice, delivering high-quality equipment and services to our customers.