Meet the Team at HCV
Stewart Becroft
Back in the early 70's while finishing his NZCE, Stewart worked at Hydraulic Hose & Coupling Services who were ENZED's first and only customer at the time. In the Mid 70's ENZED went their own way, while Hydraulic Hose & Coupling Services, GM Douglas Manufacturing and DMcLWallace morphed into Hydraulink. Stewart left to become involved in real Hydraulics joining Wynne Cranston at his fledgling Hydraulic Specialties operating from the Skyline Garage in Marua Road. In 1985 Stewart left Hyspecs and founded Hydraulic Cartridge Valves. Stewart is committed to, and still gets great satisfaction creating for his customers a competitive advantage both commercially and practically, by improving the Hydraulic Performance of their machines.
Out of work Stewart enjoys tramping and is only a few excursions away from completing all of the New Zealand “Great Walks”.
Trudy Harris
Administration and Sales Support, responsible for inventory control, stock orders, pricing and debtors control (the glue that holds HCV together!!). Trudy started her work career with the IRD where she was employed for 8 years before leaving on her Overseas Experience to the UK. Returning to NZ Trudy worked at Rank Xerox as a Financial Accountant for 3 years before leaving to raise her family. Trudy started at Hydraulic Cartridge Valves in 1987.
Outside of work Trudy enjoys going to the gym and zumba classes. Also getting along and watching rugby, league, netball and basketball games. If not doing that Trudy is spending time with her 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
Bruce Hilford
Technical Sales and Design, with a sound understanding of hydraulics and application. Bruce handles most of the CAD drawings at HCV and has recently put a significant amount of time and effort into releasing the 2012 HCV Catalogue. Bruce is becoming more involved in the Manifold design side of our business. Studying at Canterbury University Bruce achieved a Bachelor of Engineering Degree. Bruce started at HCV in 1991, prior to that he worked at CWF Hamilton.
Outside of work Bruce enjoys travel and in 2008/09 took a gap year travelling through South East Asia, up to Russia, through to Europe and the UK. Bruce also enjoys getting out on the water either for a fish or going sailing.
David Anderson
Production Engineer, David handles the Valves from deburring and cleaning right through to assembly. David is responsible for general warehouse duties such as stock replacement and also organising manifold plating and anodizing. Prior to HCV David worked at Mason Mesco for 9 years repairing and servicing fork hoists and tower cranes. Then he spent 12 years at Hydraulic Specialties as the Warehouse Manager whilst helping with service and assembly. David started at HCV in 1993.
Outside of work David enjoys saltwater fishing, Rugby League, Speedway, BMX and having fun (usually involves drinking)
Tim James
General Manager of HCV with a passion for marketing, technical sales and hydraulic application; "oil gets in the blood". Tim studied Engineering at AIT in Auckland and completed NZCE (Mechanical) then stayed on to finish a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. After tertiary education he travelled to the UK and Europe for 18 months of touring and casual work. Returning to New Zealand Tim enjoyed a stint of Landscaping. After a year in Computer networking operations, he gained employment at Danfoss Hydraulics for a further 5 years. Then finally a shift to Hydraulic Cartridge Valves in 2005 cemented his enthusiasm for the hydraulic industry.
Out of work Tim enjoys spending time with his wife Michelle and 4 children. You'll find them up North at Sandy Bay in the surf, out on the Waitemata Harbour catching snapper, having a hit around on the tennis court or relaxing at the beach.
Brooke Becroft
Office and Accounts Administrator. Brooke handles accounts payable and human resource administration within the company. On top of that Brooke assists Stewart with scheduling, organisation and correspondence. Brooke started at Hydraulic Cartridge Valves in 2009.
Troy Becroft
Operations Manager, responsible for maintaining a smooth work flow within the warehouse, from inwards goods through to delivery of finished product, continually trying to improve efficiencies within the company. Troy has experience with Solidworks 3D software and often helps with manifold design. Troy has worked for HCV fulltime since 2010, although he has also worked here part time for several years before that while studying Engineering and Business at university.
Out of work Troy enjoys spending time at home with his family, and likes a challenge and trying something new. He also enjoys a variety of sports.
Martin Waters
HCV's resident machinist, Martin is the person who makes all the urgent manifolds and quick turnaround projects (everyone's best friend). Martin studied machining at City and Guilds in the UK and went onto serve an apprenticeship as a Fitter & Turner. He then worked at QHP in the UK assembling and testing piston accumulators. Moving to NZ Martin started work at Interclean maintaining high pressure pumps and water blasting equipment. Martin started at Hydraulic Cartridge Valves in 2011.
Out of work Martin has an interest in photography and enjoys travel.
Aynsley Hilton
Warehouse and Assembly, responsible for general duties including pressure setting cartridge valves through to freight dispatch. Last onboard Aynsley started at HCV in May 2012. Prior to that he achieved the Duke of Edinburgh's award, which entails outdoor pursuit and community service. Aynsley started an apprenticeship at Reliant Rewinds maintaining and repairing electric motors.
Outside of work his interests are Rugby League (Howick Hornets U20's), high performance vehicles and Music.
