Every successful business has a story – and ours is one of craftsmanship, innovation and family values. Since 1959, GW Martin has grown from a small workshop in Eastleigh to a trusted name in precision manufacturing, serving some of the world’s leading organisations. Our journey has been shaped by a commitment to quality, a passion for engineering and a dedication to the people who have helped build our business over the decades.
GW Martin was founded by George William Martin in 1959. Early on, we gained recognition as a specialist in stainless steel machining, supplying high-profile clients including Sealol Inc., GEC, Honeywell Controls, Phillips and Pratt-Burnerd.
As demand grew, GW Martin relocated from our original unit to a new, purpose-built factory on freehold land in Eastleigh. The factory was officially opened by Sir David Price MP on 22nd September 1967 – a site that remains home to us today.
The 1970s were a decade of growth. Our facility was expanded to accommodate new customers such as British Aircraft Corporation, Hawker Siddeley Aviation, Ford Motor Company, Wabco Automotive and Martonair. During this time, we achieved Ministry of Defence approval to DefStan 05-24, further establishing our credentials.
By the early 1980s, GW Martin employed around 100 people. With the arrival of more automated CNC machinery, we invested heavily in training and upskilling our workforce to stay at the forefront of the industry. This approach laid the foundations for our ongoing commitment to innovation and development.
In 1984, founder George Martin sadly passed away the same year he retired. Leadership of the business passed to his sons, Richard and Graham Martin, supported by a loyal management team. Richard retired in 1996, while Graham continues to lead the company as CEO.
Throughout the years, GW Martin has remained a key employer in Eastleigh. Many long-standing team members began their careers here as apprentices, and today, apprentices continue to play a vital role – making up over 10% of our workforce.
On 22nd September 2017, we proudly celebrated the 50th anniversary of our Eastleigh factory. To mark the occasion, we were joined by Mims Davies MP, successor to Sir David Price, who opened the site in 1967.
Now in its third generation of family leadership, GW Martin continues to thrive under Managing Director Stuart Yalden, George’s grandson. Our values, our people and our commitment to precision remain as strong as ever – driving us forward into the future of manufacturing.
