We are a small team of dedicated specialists with many years of expertise in the industry. We take pride in the quality of our products and through a combined passion for hard work and dedication are constantly exploring the latest technological innovations to make sure our customers get the best value for their money.
John Laurie has been at the helm of the family business, Strandfoam, for over 15 years, following the passing of his father, Walter Laurie, in 2007. Walter founded the business in 1968 and ensured that all three of his sons were actively involved in its operations from an early age. Over the years, John took on a pivotal role in the manufacturing side of the business, eventually overseeing the entire foam production process. He assumed full responsibility for one of the company’s production plants in South Africa, ensuring that Strandfoam maintained its reputation for quality and innovation.
Known for his hard work and strong principles, John operates with a clear sense of integrity and commitment to ethical business practices. His dedication to honesty and fairness has earned him respect throughout the industry, as he upholds his family’s legacy while fostering trust with both employees and clients.
Philip Laurie has been involved in the family business from a young age, working at Strandfoam in South Africa during holidays and learning the ropes from the ground up. His experience ranges from loading trucks and cutting foam to managing foam plants in South Africa. After studying management accounting at Stellenbosch University, Philip began working full-time at Strandfoam in South Africa in 2017. Since relocating to the UK with his wife in March last year, he has taken on various roles within Strandfoam UK. Philip is hardworking and committed to making Strandfoam UK a success, valuing the strong relationships he’s built with both customers and suppliers. Outside of work, he enjoys playing sports and, like his father John, loves a good braai on the weekends.
Paul West, the general manager of Strandfoam UK, transitioned from the automotive industry, where he previously served as the general manager of Honda Logistics in Swindon before their operations relocated abroad. Managing hundreds of people and overseeing day-to-day operations, Paul brought his experience and dedication to Strandfoam UK, entering the foam industry with little prior knowledge but seizing the opportunity to learn and grow. Moving from a large corporate environment like Honda to a startup-style business took courage, and Paul has made a significant success of the transition. He expertly manages the team, ensures timely order fulfillment, maintains health and safety standards, looks after stock and deliveries, and has recently begun learning the foaming process. Paul’s leadership and commitment make him a huge asset to the Strandfoam UK team.