The Group
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.
1986
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.
2013
Thermal Processing of aluminium and magnesium components added to scope. £1.2 million invested in CemeCon pure diamond coating process at Cambridge.
2015
£2 million pound investment to upgrade vacuum heat treatment at Birmingham and £2 million pound investment to expand vacuum brazing department at Cambridge.
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.
2018
UKAS certified mechanical testing unit opened at Wallwork Cambridge, further expanding the catalogue of services available.
2021
Covering an area of 95,000 square ft, Manchester becomes the largest single-site heat treatment facility, covering nine separate Nadcap check sheets.
2022
£500k investment adds sixth plasma nitrider to Wallwork Cambridges capabalities, solidifying the sites
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.
Additionally £350K invested in two deep pit furnaces at Newcastle site.
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. Additionally hot isostatic pressing acheives AS/EN9100 certification.
