A career dedicated to water engineering: Julian West
Date: 20.10.25
As Trelleborg celebrates 120 years of shaping industry, we recognize the individuals whose passion and expertise drive our progress. Julian West, R&D Manager for Pipe Seals in EMEA & APAC, is one of those people.
His 40-year career is a story of dedication to water engineering, showcasing a commitment to partnership and innovation that has made a global impact.
His influence extends beyond specific projects. Trelleborg’s respected position in the industry has allowed him to contribute to national, European, and international standardization bodies. This involvement has enabled him to help shape the industry we serve, sharing Trelleborg’s expertise and elevating best practices for water management globally.
A foundation in quality engineering
Julian’s journey with Trelleborg began on February 4, 1985. As a graduate engineer in the UK, he was drawn to the company by Sweden’s strong reputation for innovation and high-quality engineering. He joined as an application engineer, marking the start of a long and evolving career. Over the years, he has embraced diverse roles in technical sales, territory management and product management, all while maintaining a sharp focus on customer-friendly water engineering.Making an impact on a global scale
Throughout his four decades with Trelleborg, Julian has contributed to projects that have had a profound impact on communities worldwide. He played a part in prestigious initiatives like the Libyan Great Man-Made River and, more recently, the vital work of reconstructing drinking water infrastructure in Ukraine. From these large-scale projects to the everyday applications that keep our pipeline systems safe, Julian is immensely proud to be a Trelleborg water engineer.His influence extends beyond specific projects. Trelleborg’s respected position in the industry has allowed him to contribute to national, European, and international standardization bodies. This involvement has enabled him to help shape the industry we serve, sharing Trelleborg’s expertise and elevating best practices for water management globally.
Looking to a more sustainable future
Today, the challenges facing water infrastructure are more complex than ever. "Climate change has an increasing impact on water management infrastructure," Julian notes, pointing to the increased frequency of both droughts and floods. This new reality requires new strategies and a greater focus on more sustainable solutions. He believes Trelleborg’s commitment to protecting the essential has never been more critical.Advice from a forty-year career
Reflecting on his experience, Julian shares a piece of advice that has guided him: "Find a career with a company that excites you and that you can be passionate about." For him, that passion has always been water engineering at Trelleborg. His legacy of innovation and partnership is woven into the fabric of our company’s history.
Discover more stories from our 120-year history and explore how we continue to shape industry from the inside: 120 year anniversary