Our History
Established in 1983, Walker Filtration’s commitment to exceptional and innovative design, along with a proven track record of engineering excellence, has enabled us to remain at the forefront of the compressed air and filtration and drying technology for over 40 years.
With its origins in a garage in North East England, Walker Filtration has since grown to establish divisions in the Americas, Asia and Australasia, manufacturing over 2.2 million parts and delivering 10,000 unique products to 100+ countries. As a result, our growth continues to be driven through a customer focused approach, offering exceptional levels of service and placing emphasis on technical expertise.
The very humble beginnings of Walker Filtration start with our founders, husband and wife team Brian and Carol Walker in the garage of their family home in Washington, Tyne and Wear, England.
Early success in overseas markets eventually leads to the growth of the Walker Filtration team. This leads to the move to the 270m² Bridgewater Road facility and the growth of the business to eight employees.
The Walker Filtration team grows to 20 employees and subsequently wins its first Queen’s Award, for International Trade Move. The company later moves to a larger premises of 560m² on Tower Road.
Walker Filtration then expands into a 4,000m² purpose-built premises on Spire Road to continue support for its growing 30 person team.
Our first global Division opens in Victoria, Australia, following the addition of Walker Filtration PTY.
The following year, Walker Filtration celebrates their second Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade.
Our founder, Brian Walker receives an MBE at Buckingham Palace from Her Majesty, the Queen.
Later that year, Walker Filtration opens a new division in a 30,000 sq. ft (2800 m2) ISO 9001 accredited facility in Pennsylvania, USA.
A few years later, Walker Filtration earns its third Queen’s Award in our history, this time for Enterprise: International Trade.
Walker Filtration celebrate 25 successful years in business.
The following year, CEO Lianne Walker receives MBE for contribution to Export and Manufacturing from Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace.
Walker Filtration move the UK Head Office to a new 12,000m² premises to further support its continuing growth and manufacturing capability.
For the fourth time, Walker Filtration are presented the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade.
During that same year, the Walker Filtration PTY site in Australia relocates to a new 11,000 sq ft (1000 m2) premises in Tullamarine, Victoria.
Walker Filtration celebrate 30 years of success.
Shortly after, a new Walker Filtration premises opens in Yokohama, Japan.
Walker Filtrations receives another Queens Award for Innovation, our fifth Queens Award to date.
The Atlas Copco Family acquires Walker Filtration and continues to operate under the Walker Filtration name and brand.
Walker Filtration celebrates our history and growth once again during the company’s 35 year anniversary.
SCB S.r.l joins the Walker Filtration Group.
Walker Filtration celebrates our 40th anniversary and our successful international growth.
Related Pages
We recruit talented, ambitious and driven individuals to be part of Walker Filtration’s growth plans. Above all, we believe that people are our greatest asset, and our employees are given the opportunity to progress their own careers.
Overall, the key to Walker Filtration’s success is the commitment to our customers. Our teams across the globe dedicate themselves to delivering exceptional levels of service and technical expertise.
Headquartered in the United Kingdom, our divisions are strategically located in Australia, the United States, and Japan. As a result, Walker Filtration is well placed to serve the global market and supplies to customers in 100+ countries.