Pirtek is a global brand specialising in Hydraulic & Industrial hose. It was founded in Australia in 1980 by Peter Duncan, expanding into the United Kingdom in 1988 and the United States in 1996. It operates its business using a franchise model.
History
Pirtek was founded in Australia in 1980 by Peter Duncan and Wally Davey. The name is a derivation of Pirelli Technology–Pirelli being one of their major suppliers. The company initially began as a grouping of distributors before branching out into franchising in 1985.[1][2][3][4][5]
The company expanded as a franchise to the United Kingdom in 1988 as Pirtek Europe. The European operation was originally a partnership between the original founders and British businessmen Forbes Petrie and Peter Brennan.[6][7][8] Pirtek Europe was bought out by Vision Capital in 2007, then to Halifax Group in 2015.[2][9]
In the late 1990s, the parent company, Pirtek Fluid Transfer Solutions sold off 80 percent of the United States franchise business, ultimately buying back the share in 2015.[10]
Pirtek became involved in sporting sponsorship during the late 1990s, sponsoring Stone Brothers Racing. The company has supported motor sports outfits in various countries, as well as becoming involved in rugby league.[11]
