Argon Distributors Ltd has become New Zealand’s market leader in pumps, with a nationwide dealer network of over 300 pump resellers. Founded in Auckland by Frank and Lloyd Johnson in the late 1980s, when Auckland had a water crisis in 1994, the company stepped up to meet the demand for water pumps. Frank retired in 2003 and handed over the reins to his grandson, Gilbert, and in 2015, he and his father purchased Davies Pumps.
What began as the production of deep-well pump cylinders in a North Shore basement has evolved into a wide range of products. Today, Davies Pumps remains dedicated to delivering high-quality products proudly manufactured both in New Zealand and by trusted manufacturers globally. And this has become their point of difference as a company from the start. Being able to adapt, modify and manufacture many things here in New Zealand means they can offer a bespoke service to all of their clients.
Gilbert and Lloyd rebranded the company from Argon Industries to Argon Distributors Ltd in 2016, now employing a team of 18, with over 1,800 accounts nationwide – from electric motors to fans and blowers and pressure tanks, along with pool and spa equipment. They’ve come a long way since Lloyd and his father started manufacturing Able concrete mixers back in the late 1980s.
In 1992, they acquired Begley Industries and began manufacturing electric motors building up their brand to soon become household names in New Zealand. Other premium brands they have acquired along the journey include Sealand Pumps, Wellmate Tanks, Onga Pumps, EBM Papst, Ziehl Abegg and Mosswyn Air.
“So often the pump and filtration system is left till the last minute when building a house. With the Hydropak-Xtra, it simplifies the process, fits neatly and complements the house.”
A recent addition to the Davies Pumps range is the Hydropak-Xtra. This is an all-in-one pump, multi-stage filtration & UV sterilisation water supply system for the home. Designed to save countless hours of installation time, this system comes fully assembled and tested, ready to install.
The Hydropak-Xtra is set apart by its ability to be fully customized to suit your application. There are over 20 pump options available, choices of left or right inlet/outlets, double or triple filtration and a non-filtered irrigation take-off. The enclosure is available in powder-coated galvanized steel, which can be colour coded to match your house, or you can opt for full stainless steel.
This compact, weatherproof and tamperproof unit was designed in-house by Gilbert himself. “So often the pump and filtration system is left till the last minute when building a house. With the Hydropak-Xtra, it simplifies the process, fits neatly and complements the house.” The Hydropak-Xtra is an aesthetically pleasing addition to a new house build that seamlessly blends into the décor. Each unit is backed by a three-year warranty for peace of mind.
Looking to the future, Argon Distributors is excited about variable speed controls on its pumps, and solar is growing in popularity as well, as people look to save power, he said. The company now has offices in both Auckland and Christchurch to meet its growing needs across the country.
© Waterford Press Ltd 2025 – Independent Print Media New Zealand
