Sykes: 150 years of delivering the best in
pumps and pumping
No other company has more expertise and heritage in pumping, de-watering and fluid moving than Sykes. In 2007 we celebrated 150 years in the business.
Our history has seen us supporting big projects across the UK, both planned and emergency, starting on the Thames in 1857. A lot’s changed over the years but our commitment to delivering the finest equipment for hire plus exceptional service hasn’t.
Today, blue chip industrial customers, major utilities, civil engineers, contractors, local authorities, mining and quarrying, and any other organisation that needs reliable services look to Sykes for everything from straightforward hire to the planning, installation and running of complex solutions. Our expertise is proven for the toughest applications and most demanding environments.
The past, present and future of pumping in the UK
In 2007 we clocked up a century-and-a-half in pumps. The story started on the banks of the Thames in the mid-19th century with “Mr. Henry Sykes, pump manufacturers, of Bankside” beginning a journey that would see his company working on many high profile schemes.
Company records 1869-1958 are now held in the Greenwich Heritage Centre, while The Museum of English Rural Life mentions “Henry Sykes… suppliers of portable and stationary steam engines, pumps and pumping engines, steam cranes and saw benches.” Our early success was based on ‘Patent Portable Steam-Engines’, noted for their power and reliability.
The success story continues today: Sykes is a recognised market leader in the hire of general-purpose pumps, submersible pumps, silenced and super silenced pumps and custom built units. The sheer breadth of our hire fleet means we can handle virtually every need, from clean water to sewage and the heaviest sludge and slurry, with high performance pumps ranging from 50mm to 350mm diameter and including Sweepax pumps that can handle up to 50% dry solids.
Sykes’ expertise continues to help our customers save as much as one-third on their pumping costs.
One call to 0800 211 611 is all it takes. We promise a fast and responsive service - you'll be put through to someone who'll ask the right questions, understand your requirements and help you choose the right product or service. We offer free advice, site surveys and quotations. 
