Flowtech Timeline
We have been proudly supporting fluid power customers for over 30 years. Explore some of the key events we have enjoyed over the years since 1983.
1983
- Company founded by Brian Readman, selling quick release couplings to garage forecourts
1986
- Exclusive Rectus distributorship agreed
1990
- Company name changed to IPL Fluid Power Ltd
1992
- One of the first UK companies to obtain the ISO certificate. Accreditation has been held each year since
1995
- First catalogue launched with distributor branding
1998
- First trip to China to establish new sourcing routes
- Pimbo Road (Current HQ) land purchased to build bespoke offices and warehouse
- IPL open from 8:00am - 8:00pm, same day despatch
1999
- Pimbo Road site opened in June
- Introduction of ‘KEA’ back office system, replacing hand written invoices
- Company officially renamed to Flowtech
- Business Development Team introduced to support Flowtech's growing network of distributors
- John Farmer, Managing Director, joined the company
- Ring and Collect - 15 mins after order
2000
- Launch of first e-commerce website
- Formation of the in-house catalogue department
- Acquisition of the Jaymac brand of products
- Launch of Mr Quotivator price challenge service
2001
- First catalogue produced in-house
- Pimbo Road site extended to accommodate increasing product portfolio
- Service enhancements: Flowtech Inform (back order reports) service introduced
- First Internet Trading Site launched
- First distributor convention at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Southport
2002
- Distributor referral system implemented for end user and OEM sales
2004
- Gresham private equity-backed management buyout of Flowtech, employing a new MD
2005
- New Kardex lift systems introduced (each with a height of 12m and a footprint of around 3m sq)
- Acquisition of Euro Plumbing Supplies
2006
- Vecta business intelligence system introduced
- Opening hours from 8am to 10pm
- Order by 10pm for next day delivery
- Flowtech won Business Liverpool SME of the Year Award
2007
- Acquisition of Flowtechnology Benelux
2009
- Slimstock stock inventory system introduced
- FedEx purchased ANC and became new logistics partner
2010
- Sean Fennon (Group CEO) and Bryce Brooks (Group FD) joined the Group
- 4D catalogue software system implemented to replace LinkUP. 4D is still used today to populate the catalogue and the website
2011
- New office and warehouse opened in China
- Primeline became new Irish partner, offering next day to Ireland if ordered by 3pm (certain areas)
- Official catalogue launch moved to April
- Exclusive Brand Programme born with introduction of KELM
- Marketing and Procurement teams implemented
2012
- Flowtech rebranded to Flowtechnology UK including launch of newly refreshed website
2013
- Procurement Contract Services (PCS) launched
- Exclusive partnership agreements and subsequent launch of Eagle Pro, HiPRHO and CONAH
2014
- Flowtechnology listed on the AIM stock exchange following IPO buyout
- Exclusive partnership agreements and subsequent launch of Aeropro, Tonglift and AirPIPE to the UK market
- Service enhancements include: editable leaflet library, own part code upload facility
2015
- New mobile app introduced, first in the industry.
- Service enhancements include:
- New order export facility
- New paperless customer service system
- New exclusive brands include:
- Synairgy, Air Trap, C-Cure, Norres
- Amera, KR500 and Panam
2016
- Master distributor agreement with Eaton Winner Hose & Fittings
- New exclusive brands include K-Line Connect, LHA and Ingco
2017
- 24/7 ordering, delivery & collection service launched
- New mobile responsive website launched
2018
- Biggest ever FTUK catalogue launched
- 60,000 product lines
- 4000 new products
- New FTUK App launched
- In-app barcode scanner
- Use offline to build an order and checkout later when you have connectivity
- See product code, list price, description and nett price (at checkout)
2020
- No quibble returns policy introduced
2021
- Flowtechnology UK rebranded to Flowtech