General Pump Company Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence: A Legacy of Innovation, Family Tradition, and Unmatched Inventory 

Nestled in the heart of Emu Plains in New South Wales, General Pump Company represents a beacon of innovation, reliability, and enduring family values in the Australian pump industry. Founded in 1975 by Ted and Graham Crutcher, the father-and-son partnership has grown from its humble beginnings in Penrith to become a leading force in the industry, where it now operates out of a state-of-the-art facility. Despite its expansion, it remains rooted in the same family values that have guided it from its inception. Today, Graham’s sons—Tim, Ross, and Andrew—proudly manage the business, continuing the legacy of their grandfather and father. 

The story of General Pump Company is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and family unity. When Ted and Graham Crutcher set up shop in 1975 at a modest office on Stafford Street in Penrith, they had a clear mission – to provide high-quality, reliable pumping solutions to meet the evolving demands of Australian industries. 

With limited resources, but abundant passion and knowledge, the Crutcher family worked tirelessly to establish a reputation for excellence and customer service. The early years were marked by long hours, hands-on involvement in every aspect of the business, and a relentless focus on building relationships with customers and suppliers alike. 

As the business grew, so did its reputation. Word of mouth, bolstered by the Crutcher family’s commitment to delivering on their promises, quickly spread. What began as a small, family-run operation soon outgrew its original location, triggering a series of moves to larger premises, moving into the facility at 22-24 Sommerville Circuit in Emu Plains in 2015. These relocations marked its evolution from a local business into a prominent player in the Australian pump industry. 

A Family Legacy Continues

The transition from one generation to the next has been seamless, with the younger Crutcher generation bringing fresh ideas and perspectives, while maintaining the core values that have defined the company for nearly five decades. The family-run nature of the business remains one of its greatest strengths. In an industry increasingly dominated by large, impersonal corporations, General Pump Company’s commitment to maintaining personal relationships with their clients sets them apart. Customers know they can rely on the Crutcher family to provide honest advice, top-quality products, and exceptional service—just as they have for the past 50 years. 

Expertise and Innovation

One of the cornerstones of General Pump Company’s success is its unparalleled expertise in the pump industry. With over 120 years of combined experience among its leadership team, the company possesses a depth of knowledge that enables it to offer tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of its clients, from mining and manufacturing to agriculture and many other sectors. 

According to General Pump Company Managing Director, Tim Crutcher, Innovation has proven a key factor driving the company’s continued growth. 

“We have always been early adopters of new technologies and techniques to improve the efficiency, reliability, and performance of its products,” said Tim. “This forward-thinking approach has allowed us to stay ahead of industry trends and consistently deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers.” 

General Pump Company’s extensive product range reflects this commitment to innovation. It represents more than 240 of the world’s leading pump manufacturers, including Ultraflow, Grundfos, Flygt, and Sulzer, among others. 

“This broad portfolio means we can offer a diverse selection of pumps, from centrifugal and submersible models to specialised options like peristaltic, magnetic drive, and air-operated diaphragm pumps,” said Tim. 

“The ability to source and supply such a wide variety of products ensures that we can meet the needs of virtually any application.” 

Massive Inventory and Immediate Dispatch 

Aside from its technical expertise and innovative spirit, General Pump Company’s massive inventory is a standout in the market. It stocks thousands of pumps and pumping systems that are ready for immediate dispatch. This extensive stockpile is a crucial asset, which enables the company to respond quickly to urgent demands and ensure customers can access the required equipment without delay. 

Among the available products in its inventory, General Pump Company offers a huge range of submersible pumps, including full 316 stainless steel models up to 15kW. These robust and reliable pumps are ideal for a variety of industrial and mining applications, where durability and performance are paramount. Its ability to maintain such a comprehensive inventory is a direct result of its strong supplier relationships and commitment to investing in the resources needed to meet its customers’ needs. 

Serving the Mining Industry and Beyond

The mining industry has long been a core market for General Pump Company. In addition to applying expertise to pumping solutions, it has a proven track record of success in supplying pumps and systems for a wide range of mining applications. Whether it’s dewatering, mineral washing and processing, chemical transfer, dust suppression, or wheel-wash systems, General Pump Company has the knowledge and products to get the job done. 

However, the company’s reach extends far beyond the mining sector. It has made significant contributions to other industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and water and wastewater treatment, providing tailored solutions for different applications, a testament to its versatility and expertise. 

One example is the company’s capability of designing and supplying packaged pumping stations for mine administration and accommodation facilities. These systems address essential services such as cold water supply, sewage transfer and treatment, fire protection, and rainwater and stormwater management. Solutions for critical functions like these underscore the company’s commitment to supporting the full spectrum of its clients’ needs. 

A Growing Support Network

With expanded operations, the company has also developed a robust distributor network and service support system across Australia. This network ensures that customers across the country—and even in remote regions of New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands—have access to the products and support they need to keep their operations running smoothly. 

“Our commitment to service extends beyond just providing the right products,” said Tim. “We also offer technical support, maintenance, and repair services to ensure our customers’ equipment continues to perform at its best. This comprehensive approach to customer care has earned us a loyal client base and an unmatched reputation for excellence within the industry.” 

Looking to the Future

As General Pump Company celebrates its 50th anniversary, it remains as committed as ever to the values that have guided it since its founding—innovation, integrity, and an unyielding dedication to excellence. With the next generation of the Crutcher family at the helm, the company is well-positioned to continue leading the industry for many years to come. 

Tim added that the future holds exciting possibilities for the company. “We are continually exploring new technologies and expanding our product offerings to meet the evolving needs of our customers. At the same time, we remain firmly rooted in the principles that have made us successful, which are high-quality products, exceptional service, and strong customer and supplier relationships.” 

Looking ahead to the next 50 years, the Crutcher family and the entire General Pump Company team are committed to building on their legacy of excellence, continuing to serve their customers with the same dedication and passion that has been their hallmark since 1975. 

Whether it’s providing pumps for a major mining project, supplying equipment for agricultural irrigation, or offering expert technical support, General Pump Company is ready to meet the challenges of the future with confidence and determination. 

To learn more about General Pump Company’s range of pumps, pumping systems and associated equipment, call 1300 662 787, or visit generalpumps.com.au/