The pursuit of excellence
The story of Whatman is really the pursuit of excellence... a consistent theme which runs throughout our history. It all began in 1740 with a small, country-based English mill making fine, handcrafted paper. Since then, the company has evolved into an international separations technology business with offices and locations around the globe.

From the beginning, the motivating force has always been to make and market the very best products, and to sustain long-term relationships with our customers based on service, technology and mutual trust.

That is the creed which inspired James Whatman, our company's founder, and it is the philosophy which drives us forward into the 21st century. What follows is the story of Whatman, from its hopeful early days, through triumphs, tragedies, setbacks and breakthroughs, to the present day and to our aspirations for tomorrow. 

More about Whatman:
The Early Years
James Whatman: youth and genius
William Balston
The twentieth century: the challenges of science
Today and tomorrow: world markets, world leaders
The testament to quality