Washington firm expects success from expansion

Mar 16 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

FURTHER expansion at a successful manufacturer will see it create 26 new jobs as it aims to almost double sales to £25m in the next few years.

Walker Filtration, based in Washington, has received a £150,000 grant from One North East to help fund a £650,000 investment in its production line, product development and marketing.

The firm, which has a presence across the globe in the US, Australia and South Africa, is targeting sales growth of 75% over the coming years, with the aim of increasing turnover from £14.2m in 2008 to £25m by summer 2011.

The family-owned business started out in 1983 by selling a range of filter elements and gradually moved into full production of industrial filters used to produce cleaner gas and air.

The company’s impressive growth also caught the eye of the panel of judges last week at the annual North East Business Awards, organised by The Journal ands its sister paper Evening Gazette.

The firm beat off Esschem Europe in Seaham and UK Independent Medical in Durham to pick up the Durham and Wearside Company of the Year award, which came just hours after group general manager Lianne Walker picked up an MBE at Buckingham Palace.

It is now determined to continue its growth, despite the current economic crisis, by growing its extensive overseas markets, which accounts for around 85% of its sales and takes in more than 60 countries.