Helios Technologies, Inc (NYSE: HLIO) announced that its operating company, Sun Hydraulics, has received the 2025 LEAP Gold Award in the Motion Control category for its ENERGEN™ technology. Presented by Design World magazine, the LEAP Awards honor the most innovative engineering products across multiple disciplines. ENERGEN™ stands out as a pioneering hydraulic-to-electric power conversion system that captures energy from hydraulic flow—marking a major advancement in fluid power efficiency. Part of Sun’s ecoline™ portfolio, the solution merges Sun’s proven cartridge valve engineering with next-generation generator technology to deliver meaningful gains in performance and energy conservation.
“This award highlights the creativity and forward-thinking innovations that define both Sun Hydraulics and the broader Helios group,” said Rick Martich, President of Sun Hydraulics & Motion Control Technology. “ENERGEN™ represents a significant step toward the next era of motion control, enabling smarter, more efficient and more sustainable systems that help our customers stay ahead.”
Manufacturers and system integrators are under growing pressure to improve energy efficiency and reduce overall operating costs, making innovative solutions more essential than ever. In this environment, ENERGEN™ has emerged as a timely and impactful technology that helps enhance the performance of modern hydraulic systems.
One of its major strengths lies in its ability to boost system efficiency by capturing surplus hydraulic flow and converting it into usable electrical power. This process reduces unnecessary heat generation and cuts down on bleed flow, enabling systems to operate more effectively with fewer losses.
Beyond efficiency gains, ENERGEN™ simplifies system design by reducing reliance on external power sources. At the same time, it supports sustainability goals by reclaiming energy that would otherwise be wasted—helping users reduce emissions and meet rising environmental standards. According to the LEAP Awards announcement, ENERGEN™ also enhances the safety and dependability of electrohydraulic systems and can work alongside traditional power supplies for added redundancy.
Established in 1970, Sun Hydraulics is a global leader in high-performance screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds used to manage force, speed and motion in fluid power applications. The company continues to strengthen its manufacturing and technological capabilities, maintaining the quality and reliability trusted by customers worldwide.
Helios Technologies is a global provider of advanced motion control and electronic control solutions serving industries such as construction, agriculture, material handling, energy, marine, recreational vehicles and wellness. With customers in more than 90 countries, Helios focuses on leadership in specialized markets through innovation and strategic acquisitions. The company has consistently paid quarterly cash dividends since going public in 1997.
