James Walker (Leith) Ltd is a privately owned Scottish company founded in Inverness in 1863. Today it is the Holding Company for a group of independently managed operations which cover six main areas of activity, Engineered Timber Products, Timber Logistics, PVCu manufacture, Investments, Partnerships and Residential & Commercial Developments, with a combined turnover in excess of £125million.

From 1863 in Inverness, to the opening of new premises in Edinburgh in 1914 and up until the present day, the Company continues to  import and process timber for the construction industry. Our Bo'ness site was established in the 1960's, for the manufacture of roof trusses, windows and timber frame to add to its range of activities. These activities quickly grew into significant contributors to the business.

In the mid 1970's the first offspring of the Group was created, Woodbridge Timber based in Suffolk. This was in its day a bold move, as the Company was set up to trade in a very direct way 'from prime producer to end user' in one step, breaking down old and established traditional trading methods through agents, importers and merchants. Today Woodbridge Timber has grown to become one of the UK's largest importing and distribution businesses.

A building and development company, Dundas, was formed initially to erect timber frame for clients. Dundas Estates are now an established builder in their own right, renowned for their high quality, affordable homes across central Scotland and continues to enjoy steady growth in both residential and commercial developments.



Above: Dundas Home at the Walled Garden, Dunbar

Through the late 1980's and into the 1990's the Group continued to expand steadily. An opportunity to purchase a well established timber importing business, Pattrick and Thompsons, in King's Lynn arose in 1985. This was followed by the acquisition of a leading timber frame manufacturer, Guildway in Boston Lincolnshire in 1998. Cox Long, a merchanting & manufacturing operation in Stafford was added in 2000.

These acquisitions to the Group portfolio prompted the formation of the Walker Timber Group to provide local services, on a nationwide scale, to an ever increasing customer base.

Through its Timber Frame and building activities, the chance to tender for the first Healthcare facility to be built under the Private Finance Initiative process occurred in the mid 1990's. This bid was successful and led to the formation of the Walker Partnerships division. Today there are five care units operational and a large hospital under construction. These operations are all designed, built, financed and operated by the Group.  In 2007 Walker Partnerships were selected as the preferred bidder for the important redevelopment of Blawarthill Hospital, Glasgow. Walker Partnerships remains at the forefront of providing bespoke solutions to the public/private sector and offer valuable skills and professional management to any current or future partnership.

 
Above left: Ferryfield House, Edinburgh
Above Right: Visual for recent hospital tender

The Group’s knowledge and understanding of the PFI/PPP process led to the successful acquisition of two PVCu windows and door factories from local authorities. Walker Profiles in Motherwell and Walker Profiles (North East) in South Shields. These Companies supply and maintain a large number of windows for local authorities as well as supplying major house builders and construction companies.

The Walker Group has enjoyed nearly 150 years of success and growth and strives to build upon this for the future with continued investment in its people and business. In mid-2008, the Group will complete the construction of a purpose built head office in Livingston, West Lothian. From its new HQ and expanded operation the Company will continue to seek out fresh and exciting opportunities.