Steel to Sustainability

John Morfield

September 20th 2023

In the dynamic expanse of the Tees Valley, where the currents of time have shaped industries and landscapes, stands John Morfield – a stalwart presence spanning six remarkable decades. And a close examination reveals a remarkable parallel – for just as the Tees Valley has shifted its gaze towards sustainability, so John Morfield has adeptly embraced change, emerging as a chameleon of innovation…

More than 60 years ago, in the heart of the Tees Valley, Peter Johnston’s epiphany set in motion an enterprise that would leave an indelible mark. As he salvaged scrap metal from the remnants of local industrial giants like a modern-day alchemist, he recognised an unnoticed pattern – each piece of discarded machinery was equipped with a filter for hydraulic oil, fuel, air or water. From this revelation emerged the concept of a filtration-centric company catering to Tees Valley’s industrial might.

However, this embryonic concept didn’t fully crystallize until several years later when Peter partnered with investors Mr Moore and Mr Whitfield. Their collaboration not only injected the fuel needed for ambitious growth but also led to the amalgamation of their surnames, giving rise to the John Morfield moniker. In 1982, the business was the subject of a management buyout with Peter Johnston becoming 50/50 partners with Tom Crabtree, who originally joined the business in 1971. The company still remains with these two families to the present day, contributing to its long-standing stability and philosophy – and making them more than just a supplier to the local area and beyond.



Titans of industry

In its nascent days, John Morfield’s narrative intertwined with the titans of Tees Valley’s industrial history – ICI and British Steel. These behemoths, the company’s initial patrons, contributed around 85 per cent of its early turnover, affording lifelines to a fledgling filtration business on Thornaby’s industrial estate. The irony (and poignancy) lies in the fact that when the dust settled, these companies, which were a sure determinant of John Morfield’s early successes, were no longer around today in the same capacity.

However, their legacy continues: ICI’s sprawling sites – Wilton, Billingham, North Tees – may be a former shadow of themselves, but John Morfield’s connection endures through collaborations with new enterprises on these hallowed grounds. Similarly, British Steel’s Redcar and South Bank sites, now part of Teesworks, carry forward a lineage that John Morfield is proud to be a part of.

Striding on

However nostalgic to think about, innovation is an unrelenting train and the steel and chemical giants of yesteryear stayed at the station, while the Tees Valley’s industrial landscape evolved towards vehicle manufacturing, green energy and sustainability. John Morfield, too, embraced transformation and geographical expansion to build upon its success in Teesside’s bustling scene. From a modest start and a £1,106 annual turnover, the company now boasts a £16.5m annual revenue, extending its filtration prowess across the UK and Ireland. Its client roster spans diverse sectors, including pharmaceutical, chemical, food and beverage, power generation and automotive.

However, in its nationwide expansion to Bellshill, Scotland, and Cork, Ireland, John Morfield never abandoned its roots. As Tees Valley forges a greener path, embodied by Teesworks’ drive towards sustainable and low-carbon activity (including biofuel, wind power and Li-ion battery production), John Morfield strides on in sync.

Keeping pace with change

Current managing director Stephen Johnston humorously recalls a record delivery sprint from the Thornaby head office to Teesworks in under 14 minutes – a quirky anecdote that embodies the company’s commitment to keeping pace with the region’s ever-evolving dynamics.

Stephen recalls that although this was in an MK1 Ford Transit van in 1984, the lower traffic volumes back then would even the journey up for today’s modern cars! Stephen told Tees Business: “Taking the reins from my dad, Peter Johnston, was both a privilege and a challenge. Observing how John Morfield seamlessly waltzed to the rhythm of Tees Valley’s ever-changing tune has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. As industries transformed and sustainability took centre stage, our company has evolved in lockstep.

“The Tees Valley, once belching out steel, now orchestrates a symphony of green energy and sustainable practices, a transformation that resonates with our journey. And then there’s the infamous delivery tale, where I ‘supposedly’ set a new world record dashing to Teesworks. Trust me, I’ve mastered the art of making the old MK1 Ford Transit vans look like they’re standing still. Ah, the nostalgia.”

Reflection of resilience

In John Morfield’s saga of success, aligning with market changes and innovations has consistently been a triumphant strategy. Its robust partnership with global conglomerates, including Eaton Begerow, Pall, Parker and notably 3M – all significant investors in filtration technologies for battery manufacturing – positions the company to remain competitive and relevant in emerging markets and developments such as Teesworks. John Morfield finds itself positively positioned at the crossroads of burgeoning industries, ready to partner with and further strengthen the Tees Valley as an industrial force.

If anything, John Morfield is a reflection of Tees Valley’s resilience, morphing with each twist of change. The early believers bold enough to believe in youthful dreams, along with the patrons of the past, continue to illuminate the company’s path. With 60-plus years of experience, £2m in stock across its three sites, a powerful supply chain and battle-hardened filtration technicians, John Morfield is prepared to integrate into the next inevitable evolution of the Tees Valley industrial scene.

John Morfield’s story is one of continued transformation, evolution and dedication. From its inception kindled by local industries to its current stature as a national filtration authority, the company encapsulates Tees Valley’s spirit. Amid the ebb and flow of industry, John Morfield’s chameleon-like legacy endures, fuelled by a shared vision of a greener, more vibrant tomorrow.