A 2025 Recap for Bowles & Walker

Partnering with Peerless Plastics and Coatings

One exciting development this year has been our ongoing partnership with Peerless Plastics. 

By working closely together, we can now offer clients a more complete, varied manufacturing solution. This includes providing our clients access to specialist coatings that improve durability and resistance to wear and chemicals. Options such as anti-microbial and anti-static finishes help extend product life and performance, particularly in demanding environments. 

Just as importantly, partnering with a local company reduces transport time, cost and emissions, supporting a more efficient and lower impact supply chain.

Investing in new equipment to increase capacity

In February, we made a significant investment in our moulding facilities with the installation of a new five tonne gantry and electric hoist.

This replaced our previous two tonne gantry and manual hoist, significantly increasing the size and weight of mould tools we can safely handle. In practical terms, it allows us to work with larger and more technically demanding tools. With this new equipment, we’ve been able to make great strides in terms of efficiency and safety. 

This investment was made possible with support from the Rural England Prosperity Fund and Breckland Council. Their backing has helped us expand our capabilities in a way that benefits both our customers and our long term growth.

Supporting future engineers through work experience and practical learning

We love taking the opportunity to support work experience and learning for young people, and this year we were lucky enough to do so at several different learning stages.

In July, we welcomed pupils from Wayland Academy in Watton for work experience placements, giving them time to view our tool room and observe how injection mould tools are made. They were introduced to key processes such as milling and EDM machining, and also spent time in production to get a feel of day-to-day manufacturing.

Later on in the year, we hosted students and staff from the UEA School of Engineering, Maths and Physics for a more in depth look at what an SME injection moulder does. The visit covered everything from mould tooling and processing, through to recycling and product logistics. It led to thoughtful discussions around design for manufacture, sustainability, and the practical challenges of plastic recycling. 

Whether through early work experience or university level visits, we value the chance to share practical knowledge and help give a clearer picture of what engineering careers can look like beyond the classroom.

Recognised support and progress towards Net Zero

During September, we were extremely proud to welcome representatives from Breckland Council to view the equipment investments that they supported with grants earlier on in the year. 

These grants have enabled us to increase both moulding and tooling capacity, including the ability to handle mould tools up to five tonnes. Alongside this, we have continued to enhance our solar array, supporting our longer term goal of reducing energy use and moving towards Net Zero.

The result is a business that can grow sustainably, support new employment, and continue to invest in modern, efficient manufacturing.

One full year of the four day working week

In November, we celebrated a full year since introducing the four day working week at Bowles and Walker. 

After a suggestion from staff, we trialled a condensed working week, extending hours from Monday to Thursday and closing on Fridays. Following a short adjustment period and a review with the team, it became clear that the change was working. 

Fast forward one year and we have seen happier, more productive staff, improved work life balance, and reduced energy use, with no negative impact on our performance or customer feedback. 

While this model might not suit every business, it has worked well for us and supports both wellbeing and sustainability.

Industry recognition at the Plastics Industry Awards

In September, we were proud to be named a finalist in the 2025 Plastics Industry Awards in the Toolmaker Supplier Partnership category.

The nomination was made in partnership with Stainless Finishing Solutions, following our collaborative work to bring their Weldbrush product into UK production. Being recognised in this way highlighted the value of close, transparent working relationships and shared problem solving.

The team attended the awards ceremony in London in November. While we did not take home the award on the night, being shortlisted was a first for Bowles and Walker and an important milestone for the business. It was also a great opportunity to meet and speak with other professionals from across the plastics industry, share experiences and see the breadth of innovation happening across the sector.

Looking ahead

As we come to the end of 2025, we feel proud of the progress made over the past year. From new partnerships, industry recognition and steady growth, it has been encouraging to see the business move forward in positive ways.

Along the way, we have worked closely with customers, supported local schools and universities, and shared ideas with peers across the industry. These experiences have helped build strong relationships within both the local community and the wider manufacturing sector, and have reinforced the value of working openly, practically and with people at the centre of what we do.

Looking ahead to 2026, we hope for another year shaped by meaningful connections, shared learning and continued progress across the industry.