The History of PSL
100% New Zealand owned and operated. A legacy of precision engineering, safety, and innovation spanning over a century.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recognised for outstanding contribution to New Zealand's export economy.
Quality Management Standard ensuring consistent, high-quality products.
Environmental Management Standard for sustainable operations.
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.
