About Us
Wallwork Group is the largest privately-owned company specialising in thermal processes and surface engineered coatings in the United Kingdom. With a rich history spanning over eight decades, the extensive service offering reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the varied needs and challenges within Manufacturing. Wallwork Group took the decision to invest in Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) in response to requests from our existing and potential new customers. The Wallwork HIP Centre was opened formally in November 2023, supporting HIP service demand across a multitude of sectors.
1959
In 1959, Robert Wallwork (1923-2001) embarked on a journey to establish a company specializing in heat treatment and metallurgical services. After years of gradual expansion, the company relocated to a larger facility in Bury, Greater Manchester, in 1979, a move that marked the beginning of its continuous growth. This journey eventually led the company to its current location in Bury, where, in the present day, it proudly employs over 100 individuals and boasts the UK’s most extensive range of aerospace-approved processes on a single site.
1987
To meet the demand for heat-resistant castings for its parent company’s heat treatment services, Wallwork Cast Alloys was established. This subsidiary operates from a nearby site, providing castings not only to the entire Wallwork Group, but also to customers worldwide.
1989
In a strategic move to further expand the company’s presence across the UK and enhance its service offerings, Wallwork Birmingham was established. As of today, this site employs over 60 dedicated staff and has undergone significant upgrades, including the construction of a bespoke building to house the vacuum department.
1997
In 1997, as part of the continuous effort to diversify and broaden its service portfolio, the Wallwork Group acquired Wallwork Cambridge (formerly Tecvac Limited). This acquisition introduced a range of new services to the group, encompassing coatings and machine build services. Wallwork Cambridge specializes in providing various types of coatings tailored to specific applications, such as Nitron™ Flight for aerospace applications or Nitron™ MC for aesthetically focused products like watches.
2006
Wallwork Manchester became the first Wallwork site to join the Nadcap program, gaining approval to offer thermal processes according to the highest global standards fixed for the aviation industry. The site would later build upon this approval by adding many more direct customer approvals and striving for continuous improvement.
2017
To extend its services to new regions, including the North East and Scotland, the Wallwork Group acquired Wallwork Newcastle (formerly Metaltech). This site has seamlessly integrated into the group and now offers specialised processes that were previously unavailable.
2023
Wallwork HIP is located within a dedicated 2500 square metre facility, adjacent to the main heat treatment works in Bury, Greater Manchester, UK. Since November 2023, the site has been fully operational, supporting the subcontract HIP service needs of customers across a range of manufacturing sectors.
2024
Due to continued demand and the success of the first unit, expansion was planned to accommodate a second unit. Originally working to a timeline of 2025, the process had been expedited, due to the high demand, further increasing our capacity.
Our Team
James Bailey
Director
James began with Wallwork Heat Treatment in 2014 working as a chemical engineer on various projects and moving through the production processes. In his time at Wallwork, James has been involved with production and management roles including setting up the Newcastle site, working in Aerospace and assisting customers to help meet requirements.
David Loughlin
HIP Business Manager
David has 15 years’ commercial and general management experience within HIP, heat and surface treatment businesses. Since 2015 David has been focussed on HIP, helping customers within Aerospace, Formula 1, Industrial Gas Turbine, Medical, Tooling and several other technically demanding markets, improving parts using HIP technology.
Andy Day
Sales Engineer
Andy has 10 years’ experience in Heat Treatment and the processing of precious metals. Starting in production at Wallwork before moving in to a technical sales role overseeing general thermal processes, plasma nitriding and niche market sectors such as Motorsport.
Ross Greenhalgh
Process Engineer
Ross has more than 10 years experience, working in a variety of areas, such as heat treatment and foundry casting. With his in-depth understanding of customer applications within commercial sector, he has advised on where enhancements can be utilised.
James Burns
Process Engineer
Graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, James typifies the new generation of engineers that will ensure the continuing success of Wallwork. Joining us in 2019, as an engineer, he has quickly progressed to be a production / project engineer in 2023. Mainly focused on the Vacuum Carburising sector of the business – directly communicating and working with customers, processing their work to the highest standards. James is now bringing his growing experience to the Wallwork HIP Centre, with the aim of project managing in the near future.
Jonathan Heywood
Process Engineer
Joining Wallwork in ’89 as a foundryman, Jonathan brings over three decades of diverse expertise across the company. With roles spanning transport, heat treatment, sales and contract review, his extensive experience underscores his invaluable contribution to various departments. His recent foray into Wallwork HIP Centre further demonstrates his adaptability and commitment to advancing the company’s capabilities.
Working with the UK’s largest private heat treatment company encompasses a multitude of elements that collectively deliver unparalleled value to our clientele. At Wallwork Group, we recognise the uniqueness of every business. Our approach, therefore, is always customised to align with each customer’s distinct needs, ensuring that the solutions we provide resonate with their specific goals and objectives. This commitment to tailoring our services, remains a fundamental aspect of our corporate values, where our triumph is intricately tied to our customers’ success.
Our team comprises highly skilled professionals across all facets of our business. They are not only driven by a deep passion for their work, but also dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes. You can rest assured that your needs take centre stage, and exceeding your expectations is our primary focus.