A Global Leader Built in NZ: The Story Behind NZ Pump’s Local Legacy

When you think of Kiwi innovation, stories of resourcefulness, resilience, and global success often come to mind. NZ Pump Co. embodies all of that, a homegrown tale that began in a backyard garage and grew into a world-recognised symbol of safety and reliability in liquid transfer solutions. Today, their Ezi-action Drum Pumps are trusted around the globe and it all started right here in New Zealand.

From Backyard Garage to Global Innovation

The NZ Pump journey started with one man’s ingenuity. David Johns, a self-starter passionate about practical problem-solving, took inspiration from the traditional Shallow Well Pump and reimagined it for industrial use. The result? A revolutionary hand pump that was safe, chemical-resistant, and incredibly easy to use.

In 1991, David's invention, the Ezi-action Drum Pump, was recognised as Innovation of the Year at New Zealand’s iconic Fieldays event. It was a defining moment for the company and a sign that their innovation had the potential to reach far beyond New Zealand’s shores.

Built with Kiwi Values

From the outset, NZ Pump has been driven by values that resonate deeply with New Zealanders: quality craftsmanship, care for people, and a commitment to doing the right thing. Every Ezi-action Drum Pump is manufactured with precision and integrity, reflecting the company's roots and belief in long-term durability over short-term fixes.

What makes NZ Pump unique isn't just its product; it's its commitment to making it here. Its full production facility in Hamilton, Waikato, ensures the company remains closely tied to its New Zealand identity. This local manufacturing allows for rigorous quality control, ethical labour practices, and a lower carbon footprint when supplying domestic customers.

A Legacy Continued by Leadership and Community

Following the passing of founder David Johns in 2002, the company didn’t falter, it evolved. Claire Jenkinson-Johns, David’s wife and business partner, took the helm and led the company through a transformative phase of growth and global expansion, while staying true to its local roots.

In 2019, a new chapter began. Business professionals Jeff Hitchcock, Greg Flower, and Martin Koers acquired NZ Pump, bringing commercial expertise that has helped scale operations while preserving the heart and soul of the brand New Zealand made, with global reach.

Exporting Kiwi Excellence

Today, NZ Pump operates production sites in New Zealand and the United States, along with a sales office in the United Kingdom. But Hamilton remains the beating heart of their operations, a true testament to how a small Kiwi company can lead a category on the world stage without outsourcing its core.

Their signature Ezi-action Drum Pumps are now used across industries ranging from agriculture and food processing to mining and chemical manufacturing. Yet, despite this international footprint, every pump still carries a piece of New Zealand with it.

Why Being Made in NZ Matters

In a world driven by cost-cutting and global outsourcing, NZ Pump stands as proof that local manufacturing is not only possible, it’s a competitive advantage. The story of NZ Pump is a story of vision, innovation, and staying true to one’s roots. 

From a garage in New Zealand to industrial sites around the world, the company’s journey proves that local innovation can lead global change. Whether it’s safety, sustainability, or performance, NZ Pump delivers, proudly made in New Zealand.  Customers around the world value the trust, consistency, and quality that comes with a Made in New Zealand label. And for NZ Pump, that label is more than a badge, it's a responsibility.

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Contact Us Today

Discover how Ezi-action Drumpumps can benefit your operations. For more information or to place an order:

• Email: sales@nzpump.com
  
  
• Phone: +1 626 458 8023
  
  

Website: www.nzpump.com