Helios

In 1970, an engineer named Robert Koski decided to leave his job and start his own company to bring his ideas for a new hydraulic valve to life. That company, initially called Sun Hydraulics, was founded on the principle of creating high-performance, screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves—a critical component for controlling force and motion in heavy machinery. The business began its journey in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on innovative product design and a unique corporate culture without traditional job titles or organizational charts. This approach fostered steady growth, and by the 1990s, the company had expanded its operations internationally to Germany. A major turning point occurred on January 9, 1997, when Sun Hydraulics went public with an IPO on the NASDAQ exchange, trading under the ticker SNHY. This event provided the capital to further expand its manufacturing capabilities and global presence. In 2018, to better reflect its growing portfolio beyond hydraulics into electronic controls, Sun Hydraulics Corporation rebranded itself as Helios Technologies. This shift was part of a larger strategy to become a global technology leader. The company continued to grow through strategic acquisitions, bolting on new technologies and market access. Today, Helios Technologies operates as a global leader in motion control and electronics, providing essential components for diverse markets like agriculture, construction, and marine industries.