A scottish engineer called James Walker first established the company ‘Lion Works’ in 1920, and it is now known as James Walker in remembrance of the founder. The company first brought to market unique high-pressure steam packings. However, it soon became evident that JW products were vital for industry in the 20th century. In 1898, the company outgrew the factory in East London, which resulted in James purchasing a second warehouse by the London Docklands.
James expanded the company in the 1990’s to New York and Chicago. By 1926, the workforce had grown to 350 employees and another factory was bought in Woking. Due to the Woking site having larger facilities, all production equipment and head office was moved to Woking. Today, the JW head office still occupies a corner of the original site.
In 1939, World War II caused a high demand for products. This brought the opportunity of research and development which is a key player today. By the 1970s, the company was operating in nine countries, and sales activity in 80 countries. In 2004 the company relocated the remainder of the Woking-based production and technology facilities to here in Cockermouth.
IF YOU ARE CACHING AND DASHING, PLEASE USE YOUR SENSE WHEN PARKING. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN ANY ENTRANCES OF LOCAL BUSINESSES.
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