Poclain Hydraulics: 40 Years of Independence
The history of Poclain Hydraulics is one of constant innovation and adaptation in a rapidly changing world. Innovation, the company's spearhead, is deeply rooted in the group's core values and was the foundation of Pierre Bataille's commitment, supported by his brother Claude, in the takeover of Poclain Hydraulics in 1985.
The Independence of Poclain Hydraulics
On May 31, 1976, Georges Bataille, founder of Poclain in 1927 and a pioneer in agricultural mechanization, established Poclain Hydraulics as part of the Poclain group, which employed over 10,000 people worldwide.
Nearly a decade later, on August 13, 1985, Poclain Hydraulics, bought by Pierre Bataille (the founder's son), became an independent and privatly owned company. The company separated from its parent company Poclain, which was absorbed by the American company Case, a shareholder since 1977*.
Pierre Bataille was supported by his brother Claude and his son Laurent. He also relied on the dedicated, confident, and committed teams to save the company. The hydraulics experts had an intimate understanding of the market and clients, and firmly believed in the evolution of the cam motor. They had just launched the highly successful G4 hydraulic motor.
Later, in 2002, Laurent Bataille succeeded his father, Pierre, as President of Poclain Hydraulics. The shareholding remains independent, primarily family-owned, and committed to the long term.
Two other sons of Pierre Bataille joined the company: Jérôme in 1992 as purchasing director, and Guillaume in the commercial department, who became deputy general manager from 2008 to 2019.
After regaining its autonomy in 1985, Poclain Hydraulics made independence a core value, alongside the human element, recognizing the teams’ role in the company’s resurgence.
The Worldwide Rise of the Poclain Hydraulics Brand
Poclain Hydraulics continues to expand across several continents, adapting and innovating.
Following the launch of the new G4 hydraulic motor, the company generated over 60% of its revenue internationally. Poclain Hydraulics is one of the largest suppliers in Europe, specializing in high-torque hydraulic motors, wheel motors, components, and systems such as valves, pumps, power units, and hydrostatic units.
The years 1985 to 1990 were full of challenges. New technologies transformed trades, tools, and production processes. In the computer age, Poclain invested heavily in training to support its teams.
The High-Pressure Technology Adopted by the Market
In 1987, Poclain Hydraulics launched its MS range. This new range eliminated the constraints of previous models. The MS hydraulic motors, available from 200 to 2500 cm3/rev, meet the needs of a wide variety of machines. An anti-skid solution was initially offered for agricultural applications such as sprayers.
With a strong international focus, Poclain Hydraulics is represented in twenty countries on four continents. By 1992, 80% of the group's revenue came from exports.
Wisconsin, the American Adventure
In 1991, the first assembly line is installed in the Poclain Hydraulics factory in Yorkville, Wisconsin, USA. Sales had increased tenfold in the United States thanks to partnerships with leading American distributors.
The development of the United States was then under the direction of Laurent Bataille (Pierre's son), who became General Manager of Poclain Hydraulics the same year, with the goal of becoming the leader in hydrostatic transmission, particularly the cam motor.
In 2000, the American factory moved to a 130,000 m² site and began machining motors—a strong commercial signal for American clients. Four sizes of MS motors are manufactured there.
In 2024, Yorkville celebrated its 1,000,000th motor.
Behind the Berlin Wall, the Eastern European Market
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Iron Curtain, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 led to the creation of a sales subsidiary attached to the Brno factory in Czech Republic. The factory was already manufacturing slow radial pistons and cam motors under Poclain license, supplying orders for Eastern European countries.
After a decade of market development, with a hundred distributors, ten sales subsidiaries, and three production sites, Poclain Hydraulics structured its operations to respond more effectively to global challenges. The Czech factory specialized in small motors increased its production volumes, manufacturing its 100,000th motor in 2002, the 500,000th in 2007, and the 2,000,000th in 2023!
Meanwhile, the large motors are produced at the headquarters in Verberie, France.
International Clients of Poclain Hydraulics
Poclain Hydraulics has supported the industrial strategies of international clients for several decades, leveraging the expertise of its specialists worldwide to become a top-tier supplier for major clients in agriculture and construction industries. This success is replicated for numerous applications and other market industries.
In 2006, the Verberie site in France produced its 1,000,000th MS motor.
In 2008, Poclain Hydraulics opened a factory in India. Later, China, where the Chinese sales office had existed since 2002, also opened a Poclain Hydraulics factory.
The Return of the Poclain Group
Poclain Hydraulics reacquired the "Poclain" name in 2012. It had been held by Case since its initial investment in Poclain's capital in 1977. A fitting return to its roots!
The Poclain Group, founded by Georges Bataille in 1927, is back.
Since 2020, the group has been resolutely engaged in a strategic development and transformation plan to address the electrification challenges of its clients' equipment, develop IoT connectivity, data management, reduce its ecological footprint, and embrace Industry 4.0.
Today, the group employs 2,100 people worldwide and generates a turnover of 508 million euros, 80% of which is exported, primarily to the construction, agricultural, material handling, forestry, industrial, and mining markets.
Poclain is present on three continents—America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe—, with 10 production sites, 8 research centers, 16 sales subsidiaries, and more than 200 distributor partners.
With its expertise in power transmissions, Poclain has acquired stakes in two companies, MOTEG and EMSISO, to design and expand its range of solutions from hydraulics to electric, including electrohydraulic.
Poclain is transforming itself with two key focusses: developing a range of electric transmission solutions and creating the next generation of radial piston hydraulic motors, the HEVO motors.
*In 1974, the oil crisis affected all companies, including the Poclain group in an increasingly competitive environment. The group was denied permission by public authorities to lay off employees and subsequently to sell its shares. The solution implemented by Pierre Bataille involved Case. A capital increase allowed the American company to become a 40% shareholder in 1977. The Bataille family lost control of the Poclain Group (source: Les Voix de l’innovation Poclain Hydraulics 1958 – 2008). It was in this context that Poclain Hydraulics teams continued to develop products until regaining their independence in 1985. After buying back the Poclain name in 2012, the Poclain Hydraulics Group became Poclain SAS in 2015.
