Thirty years ago, HydrauliCircuit Technology (HCT) began with a dream, a garage and a determination to build better hydraulic kit solutions for heavy construction equipment.
Founded by David Perry in 1996, HCT started as a small, hands-on operation. Perry designed, built and sold custom auxiliary hydraulic kits with a simple philosophy: Build better products, stand behind them and take care of the customer.
That foundation has grown into a company serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. HCT has become one of North America's leading privately owned manufacturers of excavator hydraulic kits, guards, coupler kits and engineered hydraulic solutions.
The company's 30-year history includes growth, changing markets and economic challenges, but its focus on products, customers and employees has remained the key to its success.
Humble Beginnings, Growing Vision
In HCT's early days, nearly every hydraulic kit and machine presented a new challenge. The company grew by listening to customers, solving problems and developing products designed for real-world applications.
“By aligning our technical capabilities directly with client needs, we turned every hurdle into a win,” said Dan Fields, sales coordinator and technical sales representative and Perry's first employee.
“We have grown since I started in 2006, and we remain a custom hydraulic kit manufacturer at heart; every project and machine is still a unique adventure,” said Huelon Perry, HCT's shop manager.
As the company grew, its products became more specialized and engineered for specific machine makes and models. Manufacturing processes became more efficient, technology improved and HCT expanded its capabilities to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated equipment.
“We have never lost who we are. Our team is tight-knit, and we take pride in our workmanship and customer experience,” Huelon said.
Growth Through Challenges
HCT's growth has included its share of challenges, including recessions, changing market conditions, the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, the 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each period required the company to adapt while maintaining its focus on customers and employees.
In 2009, during the financial crisis, HCT moved into a new facility that provided three times the space for manufacturing, installations, engineering and future expansion.
“HCT started with a vision in a garage and grew into a much larger operation. As the market and machines changed, HCT adapted to meet the demand,” said Bryan Foote, coupler division supervisor.
People Behind Products
While HCT's products and facilities have changed, its employees remain central to the company.
The workforce includes employees with experience in heavy equipment, engineering, manufacturing, installation, troubleshooting, sales and product support. Many have spent years or decades with the company.
Steve Lindler, product support manager and one of HCT's earliest employees, joined the company in 2000, when it had six employees. Four of those original six remain with HCT.
“Employees are the company and always will be. More than 35 percent of our employees have been here 10 years or more,” Lindler said.
That longevity has helped HCT maintain its close-knit culture as the company has expanded.
“We've grown and changed while keeping the close-knit family atmosphere that makes us who we are,” said Heidi Dover, purchasing manager, who has been with HCT for 21 years.
Employees across the company share responsibility for quality, problem-solving and customer service, helping HCT respond to changing equipment and customer requirements.
Customers First
Customer service has been a central part of HCT's business since its founding. The company works with OEMs, equipment dealers, rental companies, attachment manufacturers, contractors and end users to develop hydraulic solutions for field applications.
“We focus on taking care of our employees like family, knowing that when our team is supported, they take outstanding care of our customers,” said Navin Baliga, president of HCT.
“We've stayed dedicated to being there for them, sunup and sundown,” Foote said.
That approach has helped HCT build long-term customer relationships by providing components, technical support and installation solutions.
“HCT kits are easy to install, have the correct components, and we'll continue to use them,” said longtime customer Glenn F.
Hydraulic Solutions for Modern Equipment
Today, HCT specializes in fully integrated hydraulic kits engineered for specific excavator makes and models. The kits support attachments including hydraulic hammers, thumbs, grapples, compactors, demolition shears, magnets, mulchers and processors.
The company's goal is to provide OEM-quality fit and performance while reducing installation time, minimizing equipment downtime and eliminating costly field modifications.
HCT also has expanded beyond hydraulic kits with heavy-duty excavator guards designed to protect excavator cabs while maintaining visibility, durability and ease of maintenance.
The company also has established itself as a major coupler kit manufacturer in North America, drawing on decades of hydraulic and equipment experience.
A national rental company that recently purchased 20 HCT excavator guards cited their ease of installation, swing-open hinge design, appearance and visibility.
From Six Employees to 40,000-Sq.-Ft. Operation
HCT's physical growth mirrors the development of its product line.
What began in a garage eventually expanded through multiple facilities before the company moved into its current 40,000-sq.-ft. headquarters just outside Atlanta, Ga., on a 12-acre campus.
The facility includes manufacturing operations, installation bays and engineering offices, along with the equipment and technology needed to support customers across multiple industries and markets.
Although the company has grown substantially, its basic approach remains unchanged: Develop quality products, solve problems and support customers.
Through Pandemic, Beyond
The COVID-19 pandemic presented another major challenge, bringing supply chain disruptions, changing working conditions and uncertainty throughout the heavy equipment industry.
HCT continued supporting customers in construction, infrastructure, forestry, demolition, recycling and other industries that rely on heavy equipment.
“We have weathered recessions, market cycles, post-9/11 and a global pandemic. Through it all, HCT has never wavered in its commitment to take care of its employees who are like family,” said Katie Wells, human resources manager.
Looking Ahead
Today, HCT works with OEMs, equipment dealers, rental companies and attachment manufacturers throughout North and South America. Its products are used on machines involved in construction, demolition, forestry, recycling, infrastructure and other applications.
Lindler said one of the company's significant accomplishments has been developing relationships with major equipment manufacturers and becoming a trusted source for their hydraulic needs.
“We've built personal and professional relationships with OEMs such as Komatsu, Hitachi, Case, Link-Belt, KOBELCO and Hyundai. It's amazing that these billion-dollar companies consider us as partners,” Lindler said.
Baliga said HCT's future will focus on continued product development, expanded technology and customer support.
“As HCT looks toward the future, our vision remains ambitious. The goal is not simply to grow larger, but to make better products, expand the reach of our technology and continue raising the standard for hydraulic kits, guards and customer support. And we're not done yet,” Baliga said.
“We're still growing and looking for ways to be better. I'm excited to see what we can accomplish in the next chapter,” Dover said.
Huelon said the company's goal is to remain a recognized name in hydraulic solutions for heavy equipment.
“Whenever anyone in construction, demolition or forestry thinks of hydraulic kits or guards, HCT should be the first name that comes to mind,” Huelon said.
From Perry's garage in 1996 to its current 40,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility, HCT has built its business around hydraulic expertise, product development, customer service and long-term employee relationships.
The company has grown, its products have evolved and equipment has become more sophisticated. After 30 years, HCT is focused on applying that experience to the next generation of hydraulic equipment solutions.
For more information, call 888/603-0080 or visit hctkits.com.
