Q and A with John Walker, Head of Commercial at Faltec Europe

Established in 1989, when it was known as Hashimoto Ltd, Faltec Europe is part of the Japan-headquartered Faltec Group… and is one of the UK’s automotive industry’s  key tier one suppliers.

The company has built up a formidable reputation for its vehicle trim solutions, and from its site at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) in Sunderland, it manufactures front bumpers, roof and door mouldings, roof finishers, weather strips and more. 

But as John Walker, Head of Commercial at Faltec Europe, explains, developing people is as important as making products…

You moved to the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP) over 2020/21. Looking back, how significant was the move to the new facility?

The move to IAMP was a major milestone for Faltec Europe. Our previous facility had become quite inefficient, having evolved organically into five separate factory units over 30 years – the operation and the team were fragmented.

Moving to IAMP gave us the space and the capability to consolidate, modernise and optimise. The transition wasn’t easy, especially during such a turbulent period globally, but looking back it’s clear how pivotal the move was in strengthening our operational foundations and our culture.

We now have a facility that we’re all proud of and one that our fantastic team deserve.

What advantages did that move bring – and how will being on the site help Faltec Europe evolve and grow?

Our new plant on IAMP has brought numerous advantages, leaving us well positioned for sustainable growth in future. It is a modern, energy efficient plant on an industrial park where environmental, social and economic factors have been fully integrated into the development process.

At Faltec Europe, in March 2025, 11.7% of the plant’s electricity was generated by our solar panels and we are always looking for ways we can operate more responsibly.

We have a fully optimised operational layout with efficient workflows, improved logistics and a great working environment which encourages innovation and cross-functional collaboration. We’re surrounded by like-minded, forward-thinking businesses and being located here is one factor which helps us to attract and retain top talent.

Last year, Faltec Europe was named Employer of the Year in the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) Awards – what do you think were the key ingredients to your success?

It was a fantastic recognition that we’re all proud of and I think it came down to a genuine commitment to our people. Our people and our community are right at the heart of everything we do, we’ve worked hard to create a culture where individuals are supported to grow – from shop floor to senior leadership.

That includes structured progression routes, investment in training and education, STEM partnerships with local schools, colleges and universities and a focus on values-led leadership. We are also proactive in how we communicate and listen to our workforce, being careful to ensure that everyone feels involved in shaping our journey forward.

Faltec Europe is an integral part of the North East’s automotive cluster – what do you see as the region’s key strengths in automotive manufacturing?

In my opinion, the automotive cluster in North-East England stands out not only nationally, but internationally for its combination of technical excellence, industrial resilience and collaborative spirit. There’s a deep-rooted heritage of manufacturing in this region and that history has shaped a highly skilled workforce, who are proud of what they do.

The region’s supply chain is highly capable and well-integrated – able to meet the demands of some of the most sophisticated and quality-driven OEMs in the world. Whether it’s advanced manufacturing, innovation or operational excellence, the North East consistently delivers.

What really sets this region apart is the culture of collaboration. Businesses, education providers, local government and industry bodies work closely together to address challenges and drive continuous improvement. There’s a shared sense of purpose here which embraces innovation while remaining grounded in practical, deliverable excellence.

At Faltec Europe, we’re proud to be part of that ecosystem. We’re committed to supporting its continued growth and to helping ensure the North East remains a driving force in the future of UK automotive manufacturing.

You recently hosted a member event with the The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) – how important is it for Faltec Europe to be part of membership bodies like the SMMT and NEAA?

The member event was a great success with strong contributions from the whole Faltec team and lots of positive feedback received. Being members of organisations such as the SMMT and NEAA keep us aligned with the wider industry. Their extensive events calendars create opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration around topics such as supply chain resilience, investment in skills and policy influence.

Maintaining strong links and active partnerships with like-minded stakeholders makes us all more robust to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Addressing the skills gap is a key challenge for the manufacturing sector – how is Faltec Europe stepping up to this?

At Faltec Europe we have taken a proactive, multi-layered approach to tackling the skills gap. Internally, we’ve expanded opportunities for career progression including development programmes that support colleagues from shopfloor to senior leadership.

Most of our senior leadership team have been part of our journey for many years and have progressed into leadership roles as they have grown professionally.

On the technical side, we’re investing in apprenticeships in maintenance and toolroom roles, and supporting trainee engineers through HNCs or other qualifications. It’s not just about hiring talent, but building pathways for existing colleagues to grow and thrive within the business.

You have an excellent reputation for your capabilities in injection moulding and co-extrusion – what new opportunities are on the horizon for Faltec Europe?

We are continuing to expand our offer in response to evolving customer needs – particularly around lightweighting, electrification and design flexibility. Our capabilities are well suited to these demands, and we’re routinely involved in the development of bespoke cutting-edge components that require technical precision, aesthetic excellence and functional robustness.

We’re also developing and deepening partnerships with other manufacturers, working collaboratively and supporting new entrants as they scale up. These relationships are opening the doors to new markets and reinforcing our position as a trusted, value-adding partner.

You’re known for your work in the automotive sector – which other sectors could benefit from your capabilities? 

Our capabilities are transferrable to a range of sectors beyond automotive. The automotive industry demands the highest standards and we’re already in conversations to support adjacent sectors where precision and quality are critical. That includes areas like defence and other high-spec manufacturing environments.

We’re taking a focused approach, ensuring that any diversification plays to our strengths, adds value to our customers and supports long-term sustainability.

Are there any plans you can share for the remainder of 2025?

We’re continuing to invest in process optimisation and the development of our people – further embedding our values and culture as we grow. We must maintain and strengthen existing relationships while exploring new opportunities through fresh strategic partnerships and diversification into adjacent sectors.

We will be visible across automotive and wider manufacturing sectors, with representation at key tradeshows and industry events throughout the year.

It’s a year for building momentum, building on our strengths and capitalising on opportunities to build a strong and sustainable future.

For more information on Faltec Europe, visit falteceurope.com