Yesterday...

In the 1950's, Robert Hicks began his career in the Fluid Power Industry as a customer service rep and salesman for Miller Fluid Power in Chicago. He moved to Philadelphia and in May 1964,  founded Air-Oil Systems, first representing SP Manufacturing's line of NFPA Cylinders and Boosters. Robert's plan to grow a successful distribution business was to represent a limited number of complementary top quality product lines, know them well, and become a valuable resource for his customers.

In 1966,  with the addition of a new valve and filtration product line, The company grew to 3 employees and moved into two rented offices in Norristown, PA.   The company continued to grow and in 1971 Robert moved to a larger office and warehouse in Oaks, PA. 

In 1981 Robert's son Bob joined the company as an outside salesman for the Philadelphia territory, becoming the  company President in 1991.  In the 1990's, in order to provide complete "Automation Solutions" to the growing list of clients; Air-Oil Systems expanded it's expertise and product offering to include Electronic Motion Control, Instrumentation and Sensor products.  In 1996, the company moved to the current 10,000 square foot office warehouse and Val-U-Manufacturing facility in Mainland, PA.  Sadly, In 2002 Robert Hicks passed away.   The company is now owned by Robert's son Bob.  At  Air-Oil Systems, the focus has always been about you... the customer.   With people like you, our business and loyal client list will continue to grow