The History of PSL

The History of PSL
Est. 1913

The History of PSL

100% New Zealand owned and operated. A legacy of precision engineering, safety, and innovation spanning over a century.

PSL Historical Sign

A Fourth Generation Legacy

The business was started in New Zealand in 1913, however the history of the firm goes back many years prior to northern London, where on leasehold land they manufactured equipment for the brewing industry.

When the drift of industry overwhelmed many small companies, a member of the Phillips family travelled to the colonies. Conditions appeared favourable, and the family migrated to settle in Auckland.

1930s

Expansion & Partnership

Land was acquired in Freemans Bay to accommodate an expanding machine shop and foundry. The foundry was managed by Mr Phillips’ new partner, Mr Smith. Though failing health forced Mr Smith to relinquish the partnership, his name proudly carries on today.

1940s

WWII & The First Couplings

The Company shifted focus from dairy equipment to gun mountings, grenade parts, and ship valves for the Eastern Command. Operating 24/6, Phillips and Smith Ltd produced its very first firefighting couplings for shipping.

1950s

The Firefighting Pivot

As the dairy industry moved to stainless steel, PSL was approached to manufacture fire hose couplings. Drawing on wartime expertise, they produced gunmetal couplings and standpipes, rapidly expanding alongside regional fire brigades.

1970s

A New Home & Aluminium

Following the establishment of the NZ Fire Service, PSL relocated to a purpose-built factory in West Auckland. The foundry pioneered high-quality heat-treated aluminium castings—one third the weight of gunmetal with equivalent strength.

2000s

Global Reach & Evolution

PSL expanded to offshore markets, establishing a sister company in Australia. Over the years, exports reached South Africa, Singapore, UAE, the UK, and beyond. The foundry was sold to local partners to allow PSL to focus on importing, assembling, and marketing a vast range of equipment.

Commitment to Excellence

Recognised globally for quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.

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Exporter of the Year

Recognised for outstanding contribution to New Zealand's export economy.

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ISO 9001:2015

Quality Management Standard ensuring consistent, high-quality products.

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ISO 14001:2015

Environmental Management Standard for sustainable operations.

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ISO 45001:2018

Health and Safety Management Standard protecting our workforce.

Into Our Second Century

Without knowledgeable and enthusiastic people, a company will not survive long term. PSL proudly employs many staff in the 10-year and 20-year plus categories. Our people are the Company.

Innovation remains vital. Our latest advancement—attaching hoses to instantaneous couplings using the internal ferrule method—has been quickly adopted nationwide for its superior water volume benefits.

PSL’s business model of good people and good value remains unchanged and will ensure we are around for many years to come.

PSL Building Present Day