Exotic Automation & Supply Builds ‘World’s Largest’ HPU

The “world’s largest hydraulic power unit,” built by Exotic Automation & Supply, is a top-10 finalist in the Coolest Things Made in Michigan contest, the New Hudson company announced.

The contest, hosted by the Michigan Manufacturer’s Association, recognizes exceptional products made across the state and celebrates the contributions manufacturers make to Michigan’s economy and local communities.

Exotic Automation & Supply’s HPU is capable of 4,800 horsepower with a maximum flow of 2,700 gallons per minute and a capacity of 11,000 gallons of hydraulic oil. The system is the only one of its size in the world, the company said in a press release.

“This historical power unit, built for an automotive OEM in Southeast Michigan, is truly one of a kind,” Steve Orlando, vice president of sales and marketing, said in the press release. “To put it into perspective, the unit required a 6.6M BTU roof-mounted heat exchanger to cool the oil. The crane to install it was so big, we needed a smaller crane to assemble the big crane to reach the roof.”

The system took Exotic about 42 months from start to completion and consisted of over 1.9 miles of hydraulic tubing.

“Our record-breaking power unit was possible due to exceptional teamwork, engineering expertise and partner collaboration,” said Steve Misiakowski, engineering director. “Being recognized by the Michigan Manufacturers Association is a wonderful acknowledgement of all our hard work. Please vote for us so we can take the top spot and earn the title of 2021’s Coolest Thing Made in Michigan.”

Voting continues through Friday, Sept. 24, at https://coolestthing.mimfg.org/. The winner will be announced live during the 2021 MFG Excellence Awards on Nov. 4 in Lansing.

For more information, visit www.exoticautomation.com/.