Working at EC Hopkins Limited

EC Hopkins Ltd was founded in 1920 by Ernest Clarence Hopkins, it remains a family business to this day. Over the years the company has existed in many different guises, but now employs approximately 100 people at 2 different sites. The Wire Winding Division in Bilston employs approximately 80 people, making high tensile steel wound cable which is sold worldwide into the automotive industry. The other site is in Birmingham and houses two divisions, the Birmingham Merchanting Division which is a specialist supplier of abrasives, power tools, linishing machines and general engineering products. The second Division on the Birmingham site is the Hydraulics Division.

The Hydraulics Division has existed for approximately 50 years and has supplied hydraulic tools to the Ministry of Defence and offshore industry throughout this time. The company were originally agents for Ackley tools and when they were purchased by the Stanley Group the company naturally became agents for Stanley Hand Held Hydraulic Tools. In 2006 we were pleased to become the distributors and authorised service agents for ICS Diamond Chainsaw products, which has enhanced our existing range of concrete cutting tools. In 2011 we became agents for Husqvarna Construction Products and this again has further added high quality products to our portfolio of tools.

Since 2003 there has been a great deal of change in the Hydraulics Division, with large increases in turnover and increased staffing levels. The range of products we offer lend themselves in many cases to specialist applications, where their durability, power and lack of electrical components and in some cases combustion engines, mean they can be used in harsh environments where more traditional tools cannot. As such, our client portfolio includes the British Army and Navy, UK Fire and Rescue, the offshore industry and many specialist companies in the construction and utilities industries. In 2006 we moved into a purpose built unit, these impressive new offices, stores and workshop facilities have helped to take the Hydraulic and Merchanting Divisions to new levels.

In 2010 we were made the exclusive agents for ICS Powergrit equipment. This unique Saw, Chain and Clamp is used for cutting Ductile and Cast Iron Pipes used in the water industry and offers the fastest and safest way of cutting these pipes in excavations. We are constantly adding to the range of Land and Underwater Tools as well as offering bespoke Power Packs. We have also provided specialist Power Generators for tram systems that are used in the mining industry.

The Hydraulics Division currently has 8 employees but is co-located with the companies Accounts Department and Abrasives Division, which brings the number of employees on site to 14.

At EC Hopkins we pride ourselves in providing a great level of service coupled with unrivalled expertise in the field of specialist Hand Held Hydraulic Tools, Petrol and Electric Tools as well as Hydraulic Power Packs.

EC Hopkins are an authorised warranty repair centre for both Stanley Hydraulic tools and ICS Diamond Chainsaw products. In addition to this, we service and modify a diverse range of hydraulic power packs and other equipment.


To support our service activities, we stock a considerable amount of spares for both current and in some cases obsolete products. We have a fully equipped workshop with trained staff and currently have repair contacts with the UK Fire Service for USAR equipment and the UK Navy for divers tools and power packs.

In addition to the above repair contracts, our technicians are kept busy with customer’s repairs, servicing and reconditioning. All work is undertaken after a repair assessment is discussed with the customer prior to work beginning. Everything from a routine service to a full rebuild and repaint.