We always keep an eye on the future needs of the industries we serve, and train our apprentices on a rotational basis throughout the workshop. We have highly experienced management staff in inventory, purchasing and logistics.
They are given guidance and encouraged towards self-improvement. This includes attending full-time studying at Central Queensland University specialising in engineering, hydraulics and electrical control of hydraulics.
Managing Director & Technical Advisor - Paul Thompson
Paul obtained a Mechanical Trades Certificate in New Zealand in 1983 and has over 30 years mechanical and hydraulic fitting experience. He came to Australia on a working holiday in 1984 and he’s still here He does have a sense of humour which is essential to be a Kiwi in Australia!!
Prior to starting THS Paul worked in Western Samoa and was responsible for road construction, drilling and crushing equipment and then worked as a Field Serviceman for Hasting Deering in CQ. Due to the distances and isolation, both these roles fostered Paul’s planning and organisational skills and the ability to find workable solutions.
Paul specialises in the design and modification of mechanically driven hydraulic components and has a reputation for troubleshooting and coming up with solutions where others can’t. He also has a strong appreciation for the need for service in particular when there is a break down.
Paul has a strong commitment to life long learning and has completed numerous technical training courses including Bosch Rexroth Industrial Hydraulics, numerous specific CAT machine courses, AutoCAD and is currently enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering degree at CQU. The last 2 years has seen Paul focus on oil filtration. He is a Professional Member of both the International Fluid Power Society and the International Fluid Power Society of Australia Incorporated and is one of only 5 worldwide to have completed all 5 levels of International Council for Machinery Lubrication training.
Senior Sales – Steve Hatfield
Steve joined THS this year and brings over 35 years sales and parts procurement experience to our business. Steve would be familiar to many of our customers across Central Queensland as the vast majority of those years were with Milne Bros, a major tractor and industrial franchise. Steve has a very strong commitment to the customer and focus on service so we know he will deliver quality outcomes to our customers.
Sales – Chris Sinclair
Chris first joined THS in 2003 as an apprentice fitter and then moved to sales late 2007. The time in the workshop gave him an appreciation of the high degree of technical knowledge and skills required in the hydraulics industry as well as an understanding of how our workshop and machine shop function. When pushed he will even make a hose and pull a cylinder apart! Chris has continued his learning with a number of supplier product specific courses as well as training in customer service and sales. Chris has a good understanding of what can be sourced and where.
Workshop Manager – Mike Bayens
Mike is a qualified fitter with 24 years variety of roles in the ski fields in New Zealand including Operations and Heavy Fleet Maintenance Manager experience. The conditions were demanding and the cost of equipment down during the season meant Mike has a real appreciation for the importance of dealing with breakdowns. Immediately prior to joining THS in 2009 Mike was Fixed Services Manager for Chubb Fire and Safety. Whilst not having a vast knowledge of hydraulics, Mike brings considerable management and scheduling experience to the company.
Workshop Leading Hand – Ian Ramm
Over 20 years general mechanical experience and 6 years specialist hydraulic experience makes Ian another valued member of our team. Ian has worked across a wide range of equipment/industries and prides himself on his high standard of workmanship. Ian has strong technical knowledge and very good with the diagnostic and troubleshooting that hydraulics requires.
Administrator – Bonny Thompson
Bonny has been with THS for over 6 years and has an understanding of all aspects of the business. She has worked in a variety of roles in large and small business since studying Business Studies at RMIT in 1983 and combined with over 15 years as an ‘owner/operator’ has given her exposure to and knowledge of many aspects of administration, finance and marketing. Bonny is currently studying Occupation Health and Safety at CQU.
