Reginald Pretorius, a veteran of the hydraulics industry, recently bade farewell to Hydrasales and the industry after a long and distinguished career. Popularly known as Oom Reg, this jovial personality has an affable manner with everyone he engages with. Starting as a diesel mechanic in 1965, his versatility allowed him to move into training, production, sales and sales management. He started the Hydrasales Cape Town branch in 1985. With hard work he established an influential market niche and was promoted to branch manager in Johannesburg. He then moved to (then) Port Elizabeth to start his own business and returned to Johannesburg with a hippy ponytail. This was very hip for our Oom.
Oom Reg.
Reg’s experience with the Hydrasales ranges of hydraulic filters and accessories made him a very valuable reference for his colleagues. “Do not stress. You will not learn the full range. Learn to use the catalogues and know where to find the information,” he would calmly explain. Despite being a product of an earlier generation, Oubaas was tech savvy. He built a collection of jokes in his swipe file and used his humour to his advantage by building relationships with his customers. His most memorable moment was “Our trip to Milan visiting the Italian trade show and supplier facilities. It was my first time in Italy and I still cherish the experience”.
We acknowledge the contribution this gentle giant has made to Hydrasales and the industry over five decades. He and his wife Jeanette plan to enjoy their smallholding and working the soil. Go well Oom Reg.
Innomotics showcases efficient motors and drives at Hannover Messe
News & events
Innomotics recently presented its innovations and solutions for a sustainable industry at Hannover Messe 2025. Highlights included a novel Active Vibration Control System, IE6 energy efficiency class motors, and new product partnerships.
Read more...A racing partnership SKF South Africa
News & events
In one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas, a partnership forged in engineering precision and high-performance ambition has proven its worth. SKF, a global leader in bearing technology and innovation, celebrated a remarkable milestone in partnership with SVR Toyota GAZOO Racing, taking second position overall at the 2025 Dakar Rally.
Read more...German Chancellor visits Beckhoff at Hannover Messe Beckhoff Automation
News & events
As part of the traditional Hannover Messe opening tour, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz visited German company, Beckhoff Automation. Hans Beckhoff, managing director and owner of Beckhoff Automation, presented his company and its comprehensive expertise in the field of software and AI.
Read more...Festo 100th Anniversary: Celebrating a century-long legacy of innovation and commitment Festo
News & events
Festo has officially begun celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking technology, commitment and enduring partnerships. To kick off this historic milestone celebration, their Customer Innovation Day and ThankYou Party series brought together customers, partners and employees to reflect on their journey and look ahead to an exciting future.
Read more...Siemens and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrate 20 years of innovation Siemens South Africa
News & events
Siemens Digital Industries Software is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its collaboration with Oracle Red Bull Racing, representing one of the longest standing technical partnerships in Formula 1 today.
Read more...A new generation of solar professionals
News & events
A new generation of solar professionals is rising in Cape Town. The second cohort of the Solar Youth Project has just completed an intensive eight-week training course and is ready to take on the next stage, 10 months of work experience.
Read more...From the editor's desk: The new space race Technews Publishing
News & events
The other day an interesting report captured my attention. Within four days, two different private American companies recently succeeded in landing their spacecraft on the moon. Intuitive Machines landed ...
Read more...Upskilled workers add value to maintenance teams
News & events
Maintenance costs, which are traditionally grudge expenses for businesses or industrial operations, can be kept to a minimum by ensuring that maintenance crews are properly trained in key aspects of the condition monitoring process. Wearcheck offers a choice of more than 15 courses covering a wide range of topics, from general oil analysis to thermography, transformer maintenance and many other reliability solutions services.
Read more...BMG powers up at Nampo 2025 Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events
The BMG team was highly prominent at this year’s Nampo agricultural show, held near Bothaville recently. This prestigious event, which is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in the southern hemisphere, is a highlight for manufacturers and suppliers of farming equipment, as well as for farmers, families and the entire community.
printer friendly version