Our story

1962

In the beginning

While we put our success down to dedication, innovative ideas, and hard work, it was one man’s vision that ultimately changed Zip for good.

Michael Crouch AO acquired us when we were just a small manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom heaters. But, like all good businessmen, he saw something valuable in us. He saw potential.

Right away, he set about expanding Zip’s operations, developing several world-first innovations in the process.

1965

No time to waste

Why stick with kitchen and bathroom heaters? During the 1960s, that question was ringing in our mind.

We got to work making over-sink boiling water heaters for outside the home: canteens, restaurants, factories, office kitchens, you name it. It changed the way we did business. And it changed the way people drank water.

1970

The world’s first boiling water

In 1970, we installed the world’s first boiling water tap via an under-sink pressurised cylinder. It changed the drinking water game forever… all in an instant.

1980

On-wall instant water heaters

We kept up the momentum, introducing the first energy-efficient on-wall instant boiling water heater and a space-saving alternative we called the Miniboil. Both asked: Why settle for a kettle?

1985

Taps… down to a tea

The Zip Tea Tap is an under-sink, non-pressurized instant boiling water system that delivers water within one degree of boiling point at the touch of a button.

By 1985 the revolutionary Zip Tea Tap was so well accepted in Australia that it was specified for all of the kitchens and Members’ offices in the new Parliament House in Canberra.

1996

Taps… down to a tea

Enter the Zip HydroTap®. We’re proud to call HydroTap our flagship product. But did you know we introduced the air-cooled under-bench filtered instant system back in 1996?

2012

Zip HydroTap All-In-One

In 2012, we made HydroTap even better with the HydroTap All-In-One, which dispenses boiling, chilled and sparkling filtered water plus hot and cold water, from a single outlet. Subsequent generations introduced our market-leading 0.2-micron filtration system, cementing HydroTap as the all-in-one tap of choice.

2013

Quadrant acquires majority

In December 2013, Quadrant PE acquired a majority shareholding in Zip Industries, in partnership with the existing management team and the founder Michael Crouch who retained a minority shareholding. 

2014

Zip HydroTap G4

The Zip HydroTap G4 features amazing Zip 0.2-micron filtration and delivers boiling, chilled and sparkling water instantly. The Zip HydroTap G4 All-in-One model even dispenses regular hot and cold water from the same outlet.

2015

Award winning design

We took HydroTap to new heights in 2015 with two new contemporary designs – Arc and Cube. Our design vision was recognised and celebrated with the achievement of a Good Design Award. 

2016

Platinum finishes

We elevated our illustrious design by Introducing a stunning range of new platinum finishes. While our existing options included bright chrome, brushed chrome and matt black, we added fresh, luxurious choices: brushed gold, rose gold, gunmetal, and nickel. 

2017

Celsius All-In-One

Zip Water introduces the beautifully designed Zip HydroTap® All-In-One Arc design which now delivers all home water needs from a single tap. The new design is a result of overwhelming demand from Zip Water customers wanting a product that delivers all – instant filtered, boiling, chilled and sparkling water, combined with a regular mixer tap with unfiltered hot and cold-water options (perfect for washing up). Also won a Good Design Award accolade.

2017

Zip Industries joins Culligan Water

In August 2017, Quadrant and Michael Crouch sold their shareholdings to Culligan Water, the world leader in residential, office, commercial and industrial water treatment.

2018

HydroChill- high capacity sparkling

Launched in 2018, the Zip HydroChill range marked a significant step in our journey to help businesses put an end to single-use plastics. Bye-bye bottled water, hello HydroChill.

2020

Contactless water in an instant

During the pandemic, operations all over the world ground to a sudden halt. But we never took our foot off the gas. We saw what was happening and got hands-on about hands-free. Thus the Touch-Free Wave, a 100% contactless drinking solution utilising smart infrared technology.

2021

The latest generation in drinking water technology

Our latest G5 technology delivers the best in convenience and cutting-edge design, powering our HydroTap range, including the new Classic Plus and UltraCare, and featuring an optimised aerator on select models. More bubbles? No troubles.

With UltraCare, we extended our commitment to making hygiene a high priority, developing a multi-barrier system to prevent and reduce Legionella transmission in health and aged care facilities.

2022

New Arc Plus and Cube Plus

Launched in 2022, Arc Plus and Cube Plus offers enhanced sparkling & chilled water delivery with the optimised aerator hidden inside the elegant spout of the tap.

2024

Celsius Plus Range

Form, function, and finesse. Who said you can’t have it all? 

Launched in 2024, the beautifully engineered Celsius Plus All-In-One range delivers instant pure-tasting drinking water and unfiltered hot and cold water for washing up. 

The Celsius Plus All-In-One Pull-Out is the world’s first residential All-in-One tap with the convenience of five water types and a snag-proof retractable pull-out sprayer, offering style, flexibility, and convenience. Our unique integrated hose system enables ease and versatility, whether it’s preparing food, cleaning dishes, or washing down and cleaning your sink at all angles and corners.