The family-owned James Walker Group provides solutions in sealing, rail track fixation and vibration attenuation. Our three trusted global, industrial brands; James Walker, edilon)(sedra and Tiflex offer high performance products and systems based on advanced materials technology and engineering.
Through decades of investment in people, research and development, manufacturing facilities, technology and distribution infrastructure, we have developed a reputation for high quality products and services. Today the Group employs circa 1,900 people and has a manufacturing and sales presence in 30 countries.
A dynamic global manufacturing organisation supplying a vast range of high performance fluid sealing products and associated knowledge-based services to virtually every industry sector. With state-of-the-art skills in materials technology, particularly relating to elastomers, polymers, composites and engineering plastics plus extensive expertise in precision machining of exotic alloys for metallic seals, and tension control fasteners for bolted joints.
A global track system supplier with a unique range of rail fastening and vibration isolation systems. edilon)(sedra supports rail projects from design to installation with an extensive service package. Our unique Embedded Rail System’s limited installation height provides complete incorporation in bridge superstructures. Subsidiary, Technobeton, is an innovative contractor specialising in track applications, road joints, concrete repair and renovation projects.
Tiflex Ltd is a manufacturing company with a long history in the production of rubber and cork products that has grown into a multi-disciplinary solutions organisation. We specialise in anti-vibration products for a wide spectrum of industries, as well as specialism in rail and transport. Our flooring products are world class and our material technology is renowned. With a state of the art laboratory, we are committed to developing new and innovative products.
Great things can be achieved when people work well together, it’s how we grow and succeed as a business. Our strong relationships show the character of our business and that’s what sets us apart from the competition. We always behave in ways that build lasting relationships and show we care and value our customers, colleagues and partners.
We use our expertise to help customers be the best at what they do. Our customers often know what they want, however knowing what they need means really understanding everything about them. We always look for new opportunities to learn and develop, and openly celebrate when things go well. Things may not always go as planned, but working together, we share our knowledge to improve things for the better.
Every customer is unique and we make them feel special by personalising what we do to their needs. We take pride in delivering a style of service that shows our customers just how much we care. We always try to exceed expectations by providing amazing service that delights our customers at every stage of their journey with us, but if things do go wrong, we go the extra mile to make them right again.
Our customers have clear expectations that we’ll do what we say we’ll do. We take personal responsibility for what our customers need and have a ‘can do’ attitude that gets the job done. We know our strengths and use them well to do the best we can for our customer, and if there’s a fault we take ownership for fixing it.
We lead by example by thinking differently. We help others to see the benefits of change that will support our business and customers to grow and adapt in an evolving world. We challenge convention, embrace creativity and encourage each other to explore new ways of working so that we can be the best that we can be.
For the year ending March 2024, our turnover was £209 million, split between the three strategic business units; James Walker (£146m), edilon)(sedra (£49m) and Tiflex (£14m). Our profit before tax was £12.0 million, capital investment was £8.1 million and net assets were £114 million, including net liquid funds of £21.0 million. Our investment in research and development was £4.4 million.
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Diederik joined James Walker Nederland in 1989, initially as a Sales Representative and thereafter undertaking several successive roles in Holland before being promoted to International Business Development Executive for the Group in 2001. Diederik continued to rise through the ranks holding several director roles within the group before being appointed to the James Walker Group Board in the role of Managing Director for James Walker SBU in January 2014 and becoming Chief Executive Officer in 2020.
David joined the James Walker Group in 2013 as Group Finance Director, responsible for the Finance, IT, Human Resources and legal functions. He previously worked at Shell for 13 years in a number of senior finance roles and ran his own management consultancy business before joining James Walker. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and qualified with the Association of Corporate Treasurers. David also has a MA in geography from Oxford University, England.
Oliver joined edilon)(sedra in 2021 as Managing Director and was invited to join the James Walker Group Board in June 2023 in addition to continuing to head up the e)(s strategic business unit. Oliver has a degree in economics from Ohio State University and an MBA from Ashland University. With 22 years’ experience in the rail infrastructure industry he has also had broad international exposure during his career, including strategic leadership, sales, commercial and operational experience across North America, Mexico, India, China and Europe.
Peter joined James Walker & Co in 1994 as Cockermouth Site Director. In 2000, he was promoted to Managing Director of James Walker Group before becoming Chairman & CEO in 2005. Peter was instrumental in setting up the strategic business unit structure, initially comprising of James Walker and edilon)(sedra, followed by Tiflex in 2017. In 2020, Peter decided to concentrate on his role as Chairman. He is a materials scientist by training and previously worked with Alcan Aluminium and Mars Confectionery.
Andrew represents the third generation of the Cook family to have held high office within James Walker and is an important family shareholder. Having joined the Production Planning Department in 1964, Andrew has spent his career in sales and general management within James Walker, including as a Director of James Walker & Co and the James Walker Group. Andrew has held the role of Non-Executive Director for the James Walker Group since 2002 and celebrated 50 years of service in 2014.
Naomi joined the James Walker Group Board as a Non-Executive Director in June 2018. Her principal responsibility is to provide independent oversight and constructive challenge to the executive directors. Naomi is a former Vice President of BP and has worked in the oil and gas industry for 32 years, with international experience, driving successful and innovative outcomes across multiple geographies. She has a portfolio of independent board roles including the public sector as well as a private company.
Lion House, Oriental Road, Woking, Surrey, GU22 8AP, UK
