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.
Engineering a responsible future.
For today’s global businesses sustainability represents far more than environmental responsibility – it is about creating lasting value while ensuring organisations can thrive well into the future. It encompasses not only the protection of natural resources and reduction of environmental impacts, but also the nurturing of strong communities, ethical supply chains, and resilient business models. Our approach balances profit with purpose, ensuring alignment across diverse markets and cultures. Success demands looking beyond quarterly results to consider how decisions today will impact stakeholders tomorrow – from employees and customers to local communities and future generations.
At the heart of our business strategy, we have committed to establishing meaningful goals and rigorously monitoring progress in order to make a tangible difference. We are embedding sustainability into the way we operate, influence, and engage; working collaboratively towards a safer, more sustainable world.
In establishing our forward-looking objectives, we have strategically aligned our aspirations with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have carefully selected 7 of the UN SDGs that most closely correspond with our transformation priorities and areas where we can deliver meaningful impact through our engineering solutions and operational practices:
2023: James Walker received the 2023 BPF Energy Award for energy efficiency improvement from the British Plastics Federation. With over 500 member companies, the BPF represents over 80% of the UK plastics industry by turnover. In support of all energy initiatives undertaken by the plastics industry, BPF Energy makes an award each year to acknowledge energy efficiency improvement within the Plastics Sector Climate Change Agreement.
2024: edilon)(sedra GmbH was awarded the “Green Mandate” and “Innovator of the Year” by the law firm ETL-Gruppe. The campaign focuses on SMEs whose products and services are particularly sustainable and climate-neutral, or who develop green innovations and technologies and are committed to decarbonisation and environmental protection.
Sustainability goes beyond the tracking of key performance indicators. It requires a fundamental shift in culture across all our businesses. Every decision and action taken by every employee must support our mission to meet the needs of today, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. We are committed to creating and driving a business model that not only withstands the test of time but actively contributes to the development of a healthier, more equitable world.
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. Over the years, he undertook several successive roles 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. In January 2014, he was appointed to the James Walker Group Board as Managing Director for James Walker SBU, and in 2020, he became Chief Executive Officer. On 1st April 2025, Diederik assumed the combined role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, becoming the tenth Chairman of the James Walker Group.
David joined the James Walker Group in 2013 and has served on the Board since then. He oversees the Finance, IT and Legal functions. Prior to joining James Walker Group, David worked as corporate finance consultant at Arthur D Little, spent 13 years at Shell in various senior finance roles and ran his own management consultancy business. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and holds qualifications from the Association of Corporate Treasurers. David earned an MA in Geography from Oxford University.
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.
Grant joined the James Walker SBU in April 2024 as Managing Director and was appointed to the James Walker Group Board in April 2025, while continuing to lead the James Walker strategic business unit. Grant has over 35 years of experience across multiple industries. Latterly, he held three separate roles with a FTSE 250 industrial where he formed their site services division, was MD of their electric actuator division and was also Group Operations Director. Grant holds a BEng from Imperial College and an MBA from Ecole des Affaires a Paris.
Peter joined James Walker & Co in 1994 as Cockermouth Site Director. In 2000, he was promoted to Managing Director of James Walker Group, and in 2005, he became Chairman & CEO. Peter was instrumental in establishing the strategic business unit structure, initially comprising James Walker and edilon)(sedra, with Tiflex joining in 2017. In 2020, Peter decided to focus solely on his role as Chairman. On 1st April, Peter stepped down after serving as Chairman of the James Walker Group for twenty years. He will remain as a non-executive director until his retirement at the AGM in October 2025.
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.
Alex joined the James Walker Group Board as a Non-Executive Director in April 2025. His principal responsibility is to provide independent oversight and constructive challenge to the executive directors. He has a Bachelor of Laws from the National University of Singapore and a Masters in Finance from London Business School. Alex has had an executive career spanning over 25 years in law, banking, investments and business development before transitioning to a non-executive portfolio career.
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