not only have virtually all hydraulic hose markets been hit?

Better to be smart than big.

While the larger players in the market such as Eaton and Gates benefit from being part of global wigs manufacturing enterprises, even their executives say it’s more important to be smart than big.

“Whether you’re small or big, one of the commonalities is finance,” said Raja Rajagopalan, Eaton group product manager for hose and connectors. “As long as you handle your finances and manage your cash, then you’re a healthy operation.”

Weeber said both small and large companies face the same problems as well as the same opportunities, and being well-capitalized is a requirement for survival in this marketplace. “There is no doubt it comes down to cash without leveraging yourself with a lot of debt,” he said. “Cash and agility are what’s going to make the difference right now.”

Veyance Technologies Inc. said in the sector it has that agility. While the former Goodyear business is a large player in most of its markets, it is a relative newcomer to hydraulics, having launched into the segment five years ago.

Its hydraulics business grew 35 percent in 2008, both organically and by converting 26 distributors that previously bought from competitors, according to Sam Petillo, Veyance marketing manager for hydraulics.

“We are very nimble compared to our larger competitors,” he said. “We can turn on a dime. We offer the service, the equipment and the support they get from our sales team across North America.”