History
Active since 1942
The Walraven Group evolved from the metalware factory J. van Walraven BV, a family business founded in Mijdrecht in the Netherlands in 1942. Founder Jan van Walraven, grandfather of the present managing director, was in fact a plumber. Because of the lack of building materials in the post-war years, he was forced to start making his own pipe clamps and brackets.
Growth into an international enterprise
That small family business has grown into an international enterprise today with its own production facilities and sales branches in various countries. The Walraven Group has more tan 600 active employees busy with development, manufacture and the sales of innovative fixing systems, fire safety systems and sanitary ware systems.
| Year: | |
| 1942 | Founding of Metaalwarenfabriek J. van Walraven B.V. |
| 1947 | First production of pipe clamps |
| 1958 | First exports to Belgium |
| 1965 | First exports to Germany |
| 1969 | Takes part in international trade fair (ISH – Frankfurt) |
| 1970 | Exports to other European countries |
| 1980 | Founding of sales office in Tienen (BE) |
| 1986 | Founding of sales office in Bayreuth (DE) |
| 1986 | Introduction of the BISMAT® pipe clamp |
| 1990 | Acquires stake in galvanising company Loko Galvano in Gramsbergen (NL) |
| 1995 | Takes over customer Alfabat and founding of sales office in Lyon (FR) |
| 1998 | Takes over Industrial Hangers and founding of own sales office and production facility in Banbury (EN) |
| 1998 | Founding of sales office in Mlada Boleslav (CZ) |
| 1999 | Introduction of the BIS RapidRail® system |
| 2000 | Collaboration with manufacturing plant Suchanek in Cista (CZ) |
| 2000 | Introduction of the BIS RapidStrut® system |
| 2003 | Founding of sales office in Cracow (PL) |
| 2004 | European introduction of BIS Pacifyre® MK II Fire sleeve |
| 2005 | Introduction of BISCLIPS® Electrical Fixings |
| 2006 | Joint venture with A Raymond and founding of sales office in Grenoble (FR) |
| 2006 | Takeover of Emlux, manufacturer of Britclips, market leader for CS70 spring steel fixings in the United Kingdom |
| 2006 | Start of rubber production company Jefleks in Istanbul (TR) |
| 2007 | Founding of sales office in Detroit (US) |
| 2008 | Founding of sales office in Madrid (ES) |
| 2008 | Founding of sales office in Kiev (UA) |
| 2009 | Founding of sales office in Moscow (RU) |
| 2012 | Founding of sales office in Shanghai (CN) |
| 2012 | Walraven celabrates its 70th birthday |