ULTPRE: A new era in hydraulic innovation emerges from Shanghai

Shanghai, China: In a quiet industrial park on the outskirts of Shanghai, a new name is beginning to ripple through the global hydraulic tools market: ULTPRE. Short for Ultra High Pressure, the brand is not just a clever acronym — it's a declaration of intent.

Born in November 2024 from the merger of engineering excellence and digital-age marketing savvy, ULTPRE represents a bold new chapter in the evolution of Chinese manufacturing — one where innovation, not imitation, takes center stage.

At the heart of ULTPRE's story are two men from humble beginnings, whose paths converged through shared ambition, resilience, and an unwavering belief in quality and innovation.

Bob, born in 1988 in a rural village in Shandong Province, grew up in a family where every yuan counted. From an early age, he was fascinated by machines — often dismantling household appliances just to figure out how they worked. Inspired by the story of Thomas Edison, he dreamed of becoming an inventor.

His academic brilliance earned him a degree in Mechanical Design and Automation from East China University of Science and Technology in 2011. He then joined ENERPAC, one of the world's leading hydraulic tool manufacturers, where he spent five years — first in the U.S. designing next-generation hydraulic systems, then back in China managing manufacturing supply chains.

During his tenure, Bob secured several patents, including a groundbreaking design for a double-acting nut-lock hydraulic cylinder. But his ambition stretched beyond corporate success. In 2017, he took a leap of faith and founded Shanghai Huiren Hydraulic Equipment Co., Ltd., determined to build something of his own.

For a full year, Bob refused to sell a single product. Instead, he focused entirely on R&D — refining designs, testing materials, and perfecting manufacturing processes. When his tools finally hit the market, they did so with a bang. Customers noticed the difference: higher precision, greater durability, and smarter engineering.

By 2024, his factory had grown from a few hundred square meters to a 3,000-square-meter facility, achieving an annual output value of 50 million RMB (approximately $7 million USD). Yet Bob remained restless. "I could make the best tools," he says, "but I couldn't make the world know them."

Edward, born in 1994 in a small village in Hubei Province, faced a different kind of struggle. His parents worked long shifts in coastal factories, sending money home while he stayed behind with relatives. Education was his escape.

Graduating from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in 2014, Edward moved to Taizhou, Zhejiang, and dove into export sales. He worked 18-hour days, mastering international trade, logistics, and customer service. By 2017, he became top sales manager at his company — but the salary barely covered city life.

Determined to break free, he used his savings and borrowed funds to launch his own export firm. It failed within a year. He was left in debt and disillusioned.

But Edward didn't quit. From 2017 to 2019, while working as an export manager in Shanghai, he taught himself Google SEO, web design, and digital marketing. By 2020, he had repaid every debt. Then, he started again — this time with Taizhou Chuanhu Hydraulic Equipment Co., Ltd. and its brand, RIVERLAKE.

Over four years, Edward grew the business to 20 million RMB ($2.8 million USD) in annual revenue, building a loyal customer base across Russia, Thailand, Brazil, Australia, and South Africa. RIVERLAKE earned a reputation for reliability — but Edward knew it wasn't enough. "I was selling other people's products," he admits. "They never improved. I wanted to build something that evolved."

In 2022, fate intervened. A mutual friend introduced Bob and Edward. Bob became Edward's supplier. Over two years of collaboration, a deep trust formed. Edward admired Bob's relentless pursuit of quality; Bob respected Edward's global vision and marketing acumen.

They realized they were missing half of the puzzle.

"I could design the best tools in the world," Bob says, "but I didn't know how to reach the world."

"I had the channels and the customers," Edward adds, "but no control over innovation."

In November 2024, they joined forces to launch Shanghai Ultra Press Hydraulic Equipment Co., Ltd., unveiling their new brand: ULTPRE.

Innovation in Action: Redefining Hydraulic Tools

ULTPRE isn't just another Chinese manufacturer. It's a tech-forward brand built on a foundation of real engineering breakthroughs. The company has already completed half of its 2025 product roadmap — with all new tools designed in-house and optimized for global markets.

ULTPRE's founders are clear about their mission: to become one of the world's most recognized hydraulic tool brands — not by copying, but by leading.

"We're not here to be a cheap alternative," says Edward. "We're here to be the better alternative."

Bob adds, "China has the capability to innovate. We don't need to follow. We can lead."

With a combined 15 years of industry experience, a proven track record of resilience, and a relentless focus on R&D, ULTPRE is poised to challenge the status quo in the global hydraulic tools market.

As infrastructure projects, energy systems, and industrial automation continue to demand more powerful, efficient, and intelligent tools, ULTPRE is stepping into the spotlight — not just as a manufacturer, but as a maker of the future.