BERENDSEN’S POWER PEOPLE

James Leach is a 20-year veteran of the hydraulics industry known for his far-sighted strategic vision in this complex, technical field. With a career spanning hydraulic product management, corporate banking, and executive leadership, James brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and sharp business acumen, which have driven remarkable achievements throughout his tenure.

Since joining Berendsen in 2008 and stepping into the role of Executive General Manager in 2010, James has been the driving force behind the company’s growth and transformation. Under his leadership, Berendsen has evolved from a respected industry player into a nationwide hydraulics powerhouse, expanding its capabilities, market presence, and reputation for excellence.

James has spearheaded major investments in industry-leading technology, extended Berendsen’s reach and service capabilities across Australia, secured key alliances with global brands such as Danfoss and Pall, and opened new opportunities in sectors like surface mining. He has strengthened operational standards, reinforced relationships with large-scale customers, and fostered a high-performance, customer-centric culture across the organisation.

His vision and leadership have been pivotal in driving operational excellence and cementing Berendsen’s position as a dominant force in hydraulic services and solutions across Australia.

With a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Sydney and a diverse career spanning maintenance, production, and operations management, Matt Dornan brings a strong mix of technical expertise and commercial insight to his role as General Manager for NSW, SA, and VIC.

Matt began his career in the waste and recycling industry, gaining hands-on experience across Australia’s East Coast and New Zealand. This exposure gave him a deep understanding of the financial and operational pressures businesses face and the ability to develop practical, results-driven solutions.

Since joining Berendsen in 2011 as a Service Manager in Melbourne, Matt has steadily progressed through leadership roles, including Melbourne Branch Manager and later Sydney Branch Manager. His expertise in crane cylinder repairs, tunnelling and infrastructure projects, and waste and recycling equipment has been instrumental in helping Berendsen deliver highly specialised hydraulic solutions.

With a strong focus on efficiency, problem-solving, and customer service, Matt continues to drive growth and innovation, ensuring Berendsen remains a trusted leader in hydraulic services across multiple industries.

David Poulton joined Berendsen as branch manager for the Perth operation in 2016, bringing with him extensive experience in engineering and manufacturing from the aerospace and motorsport industries. His leadership has been a driving force in the success of the Perth branch, elevating its reputation as a trusted provider of hydraulic solutions in Western Australia.

Under David’s guidance, the branch has experienced significant growth, with its team expanding to 25 skilled professionals. He has also overseen major equipment upgrades and the expansion of the branch’s capabilities to better meet customer needs. These improvements have enhanced the quality of services provided and reduced repair times, ensuring the branch continues to deliver exceptional solutions with efficiency and precision.

In addition, initiatives such as the service exchange cylinder program, introduced during David’s tenure, have been integral to meeting customer needs efficiently while maintaining the high standards that define Berendsen’s brand. These innovations have solidified the company’s reputation for reliability and technical excellence, helping to position the branch as a leader in hydraulic cylinder repair and fluid power services.

David’s appointment as General Manager for Western Australia in 2024 is a reflection of his exceptional leadership and strategic vision. Now overseeing multiple sites, he continues to lead the company’s efforts to expand its capabilities, drive growth, and deliver unparalleled value to its customers across the region.

Ryan MacKenzie brings over two decades of industry experience to his role as General Manager for Berendsen Fluid Power in Queensland. With a strong background in the mining and metals sector, Ryan is highly skilled in operations management, engineering, sales, business development, and manufacturing.

Ryan began his career as Workshop Manager at Gilbert Group QLD, where he spent nine years overseeing key operational functions. In 2009, he took on the role of Director at ISAdraulics, where he successfully led the business for over a decade before becoming QLD General Manager at Berendsen Fluid Power in 2022. Ryan plays a critical role in driving regional growth, operational excellence, and customer-focused solutions.His extensive hands-on experience, combined with a proven ability to lead high-performing teams and deliver tailored hydraulic solutions, makes him a valuable asset to both Berendsen and its customers across Queensland.

With an extensive background in open-cut and underground mining, Ben Johnson brings unparalleled expertise and leadership to his role as General Manager for Berendsen Fluid Power’s Newcastle region. Beginning his career as a Fitter/Machinist, Ben honed his skills working across diverse mining operations in Queensland before transitioning to the fluid power industry, where he has built a remarkable career spanning more than two decades.

Ben joined Berendsen Fluid Power in 1998, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in workshop operations before broadening his expertise as a Workshop Supervisor at Meadow Industries. Returning to Berendsen in 2007, Ben quickly rose through the ranks, leveraging his technical knowledge and leadership skills to drive growth and success.

Now overseeing the Newcastle region, Ben manages all aspects of branch operations, from team leadership to strategic planning, ensuring the delivery of exceptional hydraulic solutions to clients across key industries. His deep understanding of hydraulic systems and their applications, combined with his mining background, allows him to guide the branch with a unique perspective that ensures innovative, practical, and high-performing solutions.

Under Ben’s leadership, the Newcastle branch has flourished, earning a reputation for operational excellence and outstanding customer service. His commitment to quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction ensures that Berendsen Fluid Power remains a trusted name in the hydraulic industry.

With over 25 years of experience in engineering and industrial management, Alan Appleby is a highly skilled leader at the helm of Berendsen Fluid Power’s Wollongong branch. His career spans diverse roles in industrial trades and management, giving him a unique perspective on the needs of customers in New South Wales’ steel and coal mining industries.

Beginning his journey with Berendsen Fluid Power as a Workshop Technician in 2002, over the years, he has taken on key roles including Workshop Supervisor, Business Development Engineer, and Workshop Manager, steadily building a deep understanding of the business and the hydraulic industry.

As Branch Manager, Alan leads one of Berendsen’s most established and well-respected branches. Under his guidance, the Wollongong team continues to deliver exceptional hydraulic solutions, with a strong focus on meeting the specialised requirements of local industries. His leadership has been instrumental in driving operational improvements and ensuring the branch remains a trusted partner for clients in the region.

Alan’s focus on high-quality service has helped the Wollongong branch further solidify its reputation as a leader in hydraulic systems and support, making it an invaluable resource for the industries it serves.

Alex Bojko has been at the helm of Berendsen Fluid Power’s Adelaide branch since 2015, steering operations across South Australia and parts of the Northern Territory. With over 30 years of industry experience and a mechanical and production management background, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.

Originally from the UK, Alex made the move to Australia in 2002, continuing a career in industrial management and materials handling. His extensive background has equipped him with the skills to lead a dynamic team, ensuring operational excellence and delivering outstanding results for Berendsen’s customers.

Under Alex’s leadership, the Adelaide branch has undergone significant growth, becoming a benchmark for performance and efficiency. Known for his commitment to client relationship management, Alex has cultivated a culture of responsive service that has solidified the branch’s reputation as a highly respected hydraulic service provider in the region.

With his focus on meeting customer needs and driving team success, Alex ensures Berendsen Fluid Power Adelaide consistently delivers on its promise: “Every second counts.”

Alex is proud to lead a team that excels in providing tailored hydraulic solutions to a diverse range of clients, cementing Berendsen’s position as a trusted partner in the industry.

For the past decade, Ashleigh Sullivan has been the driving force behind Berendsen Fluid Power’s Melbourne branch, overseeing operations that serve all of Victoria and Tasmania. With a strong sales background in the hydraulics and pneumatics industry, including key roles at Danfoss Power Solutions and other leading companies, Ashleigh brings deep expertise and industry knowledge to the role.

As Branch Manager, Ashleigh takes charge of all aspects of the branch’s activities, from team management and client relations to ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming the branch into an efficient, high-performance operation that delivers exceptional service to critical industries such as manufacturing, waste management, metal processing, water systems, and hydraulic system builds.

Under Ashleigh’s guidance, the Melbourne branch has achieved sustained growth and developed a reputation for technical excellence. Known for its expertise in hydraulic repairs and custom hydraulic system design and manufacturing, the branch is now recognised as a trusted partner for clients with complex and critical hydraulic needs.

Ashleigh’s commitment to service excellence and operational precision ensures that Berendsen’s Melbourne branch remains a standout performer in the industry, consistently delivering solutions that meet and exceed customer expectations.

With decades of experience in engineering and fluid power, Peter Clements brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his role as Branch Manager of Berendsen Fluid Power Brisbane. Having worked across design, sales, and regional management in both local and international markets, Peter’s career has equipped him with a deep understanding of hydraulics and precision motion control systems.

Since assuming the role at Berendsen Fluid Power, Peter has focused on leading a highly skilled team that delivers exceptional sales, technical support, field service, and factory repair solutions to industries across Queensland. His extensive expertise and strategic approach have been instrumental in ensuring the efficient operation of the Brisbane branch while maintaining the highest standards of service and technical excellence.

Under Peter’s leadership, the Berendsen Brisbane continues to strengthen its reputation as a trusted partner for hydraulic solutions, meeting the diverse needs of clients across industrial, aerospace, and defence sectors. Through his guidance, the branch remains committed to innovation, quality, and delivering value to customers in an ever-evolving industry.

With over 20 years of experience in the mining industry, Michael Holmes is a highly skilled leader with deep expertise in manufacturing, repair, and equipment overhauls. His career has spanned hands-on technical roles, supervisory positions, and senior leadership, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the industry’s challenges and opportunities.

Michael began his career with a four-year apprenticeship at Waratah Engineering, a specialist in underground mining equipment. He spent a decade at Waratah, including time as Workshop Supervisor, before further refining his skills at Bucyrus and Caterpillar. He then spent seven years with Temmco as an Onsite Machinist and Service Fitter, working across national and international power stations and mine sites.

Joining Berendsen Fluid Power in 2018 as Machine Shop Manager, Michael quickly made an impact and was later appointed Branch Manager of the Newcastle operations. His leadership is backed by a strong technical foundation, with certifications in Fitting and Machining (Cert III), CNC Machining (Cert IV), and Competitive Manufacturing (Cert IV), along with training in Frontline Management.

Michael’s depth of experience and commitment to operational excellence have been instrumental in strengthening Berendsen’s capabilities in Newcastle, ensuring the branch continues to deliver high-quality solutions to the mining and industrial sectors.

Originally from Brazil, Jefferson brings over 20 years of specialised experience in hydraulics and mechatronics engineering to the Sydney team. He holds a Bachelor’s in Control & Automation Engineering and an Executive MBA, underpinning both his technical expertise and strategic management skills.  

Jefferson began his career in Internal Sales at Bosch Rexroth (2002–2005), before moving into engineering and applications roles with Parker Hannifin (2006–2012), stepping into sales and application with Walvoil Fluid Power (2012–2013), and then back to Parker Hannifin (2012–2016) as an OEM Account Manager. Afterward he co-founded and managed a successful repair centre and auto parts business in Brazil, before relocating to Australia in 2018.   

There, he took up the position of NSW State Manager for HYDAC International, where he drove operational excellence, and oversaw the relocation of the Sydney branch into a facility three times its original size, incorporating a dedicated training centre. 

 As branch manager of Berendsen Fluid Power Sydney, Jefferson focuses on expanding service and operations, with particular emphasis on growing the field-service team and strengthening relationships with both cylinder-repair clients and new industrial customers. His blend of hands-on technical knowledge, strategic sales acumen, and team-leadership ensures that Berendsen remains a trusted hydraulic partner across construction, material-handling, and other industrial markets.