OUR STORY
A Legacy of Materials Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence
From our early roots supplying specialist alloys and components to demanding industrial markets, we have continuously evolved to meet the needs of modern engineering. Today, our team in Pontardawe, Swansea, UK combines advanced casting technologies, precision machining, and materials science to produce high-performance components for industries around the world.
Throughout our history, we have focussed on solving complex engineering challenges, working closely with customers to develop reliable components that perform. That commitment to technical excellence and partnership continues to guide our work today, as we invest in new capabilities such as Vacuum Precision Investment Casting and advanced manufacturing processes.
Decades of Innovation Shaping Advanced Manufacturing
For nearly 90 years, Wall Colmonoy has advanced the science of high-performance alloys and precision manufacturing. Our story reflects a continuous pursuit of innovation, investment in advanced technologies, and a commitment to supporting the industries that rely on precision-engineered components.
1930s
Colmonoy®
Origin
Origin
Metallurgists, Norman Cole and Walter Edmonds, invent Colmonoy®, a nickel alloy with chromium borides offering diamond-like hardness and exceptional wear and corrosion resistance, founding Colmonoy, Inc. in California.
1938
Wall Colmonoy Corporation
A.F. Wall purchases the assets and rights to Colmonoy® and forms Wall Colmonoy Corporation in Detroit, Michigan.
1942
Colmonoy® in WWII
During WWII, Colmonoy® extends the life of U.S. Navy arrestor hooks used in aircraft carrier landings and restores Army tank grousers, treads, and drive sprockets.
1949
Wallex® Cobalt-Based Alloys
Wallex® is a new hard-facing alloy made to resist extreme abrasion, as in earth-moving and rough material handling and crushing equipment for cement and agriculture industries.
1952
London Sales Office Opens
For the distribution of Colmonoy® products to the UK and Europe.
1960
UK Manufacturing Begins
Manufacturing of Colmonoy® alloys in Motherwell, Scotland.
1964
UK HQ Moves to England
Moves from Scotland to Brackley, England to open a foundry for the manufacturing of hardfacing and corrosion-resistant alloys.
1969
UK HQ Moves to Wales
Pontardawe, Wales manufacturing facility is opened with support from the Welsh Government - ideally located near key metal suppliers and metallurgical and engineering expertise.
1970
Brazing School Launches
Under the leadership of Bob Peaslee, a school is begun to provide industry with the techniques of atmospheric nickel-brazing. It still runs today as a three-day hands-on seminar offering knowledge and practical application by industry’s
recognized leaders.
1975
Tungsten Carbide Bearing Alloys
As Colmonoy® evolves, tungsten carbide alloys are developed by adding varying amounts of tungsten to the original nickel based.
1976
Investment Casting Manufacturing
Wall Colmonoy Ltd. (UK) begins manufacturing investment castings to meet the demand for small intricate components designed to optimise wear, corrosion, and heat-resistant properties using Colmonoy® nickel and Wallex® cobalt alloys.
2005
Accreditation & Expansion
Wall Colmonoy Ltd. (UK) earns ISO 14001 certification and begins a 1858m2 expansion, growing to over 6500m2 and increasing powder production capacity by 25% with new furnaces and an atomizer.
2009
40th Anniversary in Wales
Wall Colmonoy Ltd. (UK) celebrates 40 years in Wales with guest of honor First Minister Rhodri Morgan, joined by local Mayors Pam Thomas, Emlyn Williams, and Deputy Mayor Jean Bowen.
2012
Machine Shop Expansion
On the 3rd of May 2012, Wall Colmonoy Ltd’s new 2180m2 state-of-the-art machine shop is officially opened by Wales’ First Minister, Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones A.M., following £2m grant from the Welsh Assembly Government, underpinning the company’s £9m expansion.
2013
75 Years Technical Expertise
The company's mission is to be a leader in providing customers the technical expertise, partnership, quality, value and innovation to operate more efficiently and effectively while maintaining the same integrity and values that have stood for 75 years.
2013
UK’s First Core Leaching Facility
The first in the UK – it allows for intricate channels to be cast reducing reliance for downstream post-processing.
2013
Shot Blasting Machine Upgrade
A Rosler Shot Blasting Machine is installed for higher throughput and cleaner parts for customers.
2015
Digital Simulation Capability
ProCAST simulation software is purchased to support the design and manufacture of cast components through virtual design, rapid prototyping, and simulation of real shop-floor conditions.
2017
Robotic Shelling
Introduced to replace manual dipping with highly controlled, repeatable automation to maximise throughput and quality.
2018
80 Year
Anniversary
Anniversary
At its 80th year, the company continues to be owned and operated by fourth generation of family members. Demonstrating the company’s consistency, stability, and long-term commitment critical to all stakeholders: customers, employees, and society
2020
50 Years
in Wales
in Wales
Wall Colmonoy Ltd. (UK) celebrates its golden anniversary. Over the half-century, it increases capacity from 33,000 to 70,000ft2. Its workforce continues to grow, with nearly 200 employees; a quarter of whom have been with the company for more than a decade.
March 2021
Hurco 5-Axis Milling Machine
Expanded manufacturing capabilities with the addition of a CNC 5-axis machining centre, complementing existing machining set-up and strengthening an integrated approach to new product development — from prototyping through to full-scale production.
April 2021
Desktop Metal™ Shop System
The UK’s first Desktop Metal™ Shop System™ - it adds binder-jet printing additive manufacturing capabilities. In collaboration with customers, Wall Colmonoy develops prototype and production components, transforming theoretical designs into proven applications beyond the limitations of conventional subtractive manufacturing.
2021
Wallex® CoCr AM Powders
Production of Additive Manufacturing Powders starts with Wallex® CoCr for biomedical applications, such as Orthopedic and Dental implants for use with CAD/CAM ceramic applications.
August 2021
£600,000 Upgrade to Casting Facility
Modernising project to the casting foundry with advanced induction melting equipment and upgraded furnaces, improving efficiency, increasing capacity, and reducing environmental impact through enhanced process control and reliability.
2023
85 Year
Anniversary
Anniversary
The company continues to innovate in alloy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
April 2023
Sodick EDM Wire Machine
To increase capacity, reduce cycle times, and achieve tighter tolerances with improved surface finishes for precision cast components, delivering faster production speeds and enhanced accuracy through the latest digital innovations.
April 2024
New CMM
A new Horizon CMM machine to provide advanced accuracy, faster speeds and tighter tolerances.
June 2024
Machine Monitoring
Incorporation of Machine Metrics to drive automation and efficiency for utilization improvements, reduce overtime and increase OTIF.
September 2024
DASA / DTEP Grant Awarded
Receives funding from the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) and Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to support the development of vacuum investment casting facility in partnership with Rolls-Royce. This allows for growth in markets like aerospace and defence.
December 2024
WallCarb™ HVOF Carbide Powders
Ideal for high-wear surfaces - such as pump seals, piston rings, and valve components.
Jan 2025
Vacuum Investment Casting
Preparations commence for a new vacuum precision investment casting capability, expanding domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting UK supply chain resilience.
December 2025
Advanced AM Powders
Design and produce advanced Additive Manufacturing (AM) metal powders including Colferoloy™ SS 316L, 420, 430, Colferoloy™ 17-4 PH, Colferoloy™ D2, H13
March 2026
VPIC Launch Event
The launch of the new vacuum precision investment casting capability brings together representatives from industry, government and partner organisations, highlighting the national importance and regional economic impact.
A Team of Industry Leaders
Our experienced engineers, metallurgists, and manufacturing specialists collaborate closely with customers to transform complex requirements into reliable, high-performance components.
