Alumni Spotlight: Peter Harrison – Director, PTE Hydraulics
For
PTE Hydraulics
, that question surfaced at a critical time. Established in 1967 as Precision Tool Engineering, this specialist manufacturer of hydraulic
cylinders and rotary actuators services a diverse range of industries. The company was confronted with a mature local market, heightened
international competition and overexposure to a major customer.
The turning point
The focus of PTE Hydraulics shifted to creating a more diversified and innovative business. Seeking new ideas, fresh perspectives and practical guidance, the founder discovered Queensland Leaders in 2014 – recognising the opportunity to step back and rethink the approach to growth.
Queensland Leaders
The Queensland Leaders experience provided immediate exposure to industry experts and business owners – each bringing real-world insights. This environment meant that ideas could be tested, refined and applied.
The combination of structured learning and interactive sessions made a meaningful contribution. This equipped the founder with the knowledge and capability to overcome major hurdles and take decisive action for PTE Hydraulics.
Meaningful outcomes
PTE Hydraulics successfully navigated a period of change, leading to new product development activity. The company has become one of Australia’s largest specialist manufacturers of hydraulic cylinders and rotary actuators.
With facilities in Acacia Ridge, PTE Hydraulics was awarded a government grant to implement advanced robotic automation technology – expanding the product range and opening up new domestic and international markets.
Personal reflection
“The Queensland Leaders experience played a significant role in how we addressed our challenges. Through the time-efficient structure and format, I was empowered with new skills and ideas to lead the business towards a more sustainable future.”
Peter Harrison – Director, PTE Hydraulics
What if…?
The conditions were challenging – and PTE Hydraulics has emerged as a more resilient and forward-looking company.
The path forward has been reshaped. What if PTE Hydraulics could continue to set the standards in advanced manufacturing through innovation,
automation and high-skilled jobs of the future?
For privately-owned companies in the Queensland Leaders community, the journey often starts the same way.
It starts with a simple question: What if…?
