About K J Bownes & Sons

Trusted Railway Infrastructure & Sleeper Specialists Since 1960

Founded in 1960 by Keith Bownes, K J Bownes & Sons began its journey working with British Railways to remove scrap permanent way materials and redundant sidings. Over six decades later, we’ve grown into one of the UK’s leading suppliers of railway sleepers, railway materials, and landscaping products, while staying true to our family roots now proudly run by the third generation of the Bownes family.

We specialise in the supply of reclaimed softwood, hardwood, and concrete sleepers for a wide range of applications, from heavy-duty industrial projects to garden landscaping, raised beds, and retaining walls. Alongside our landscaping products, we provide a full range of new and serviceable railway materials, including relayable sleepers, rails, crossing timbers, and essential track components.

Our Story That Never Stops

Founded in 1960 by Keith Bownes, K J Bownes & Sons began by removing scrap permanent way materials and redundant sidings for British Railways. Keith started the business while maintaining two other jobs, and his tireless work ethic and dedication quickly earned him widespread respect within the rail industry. He became affectionately known as “The Sleeper King” a testament to his expertise and reputation. Now, 65 years on, the business remains proudly family-run, led by the third generation of the Bownes family.

1960

Founded by Keith Bownes

Keith launched the business while holding two other jobs, showing remarkable work ethic and vision. His wife, June Bownes, supported the venture with belief and seed funding. Early focus was on clearing scrap and redundant sidings for British Railways.

1960

1980

Second Generation Joins

Keith’s children joined the company, contributing to its steady growth and helping expand operations across the railway sector.

1980

1990

Expansion of Services

The business introduced specialist haulage services, sleeper processing, and increased its supply capabilities to serve a broader range of clients.

1990

2000

Established as a Trusted Rail Sector Supplier

K J Bownes became a recognised and reliable partner to major rail contractors and heritage lines throughout the UK.

2000

2014

Third Generation Joins

The third generation of the Bownes family entered the business, continuing the legacy with a renewed focus on service, quality, and innovation.

2014

Today

Recognised Leader in UK Rail Sleeper & Materials Supply

Now a nationally respected supplier of railway sleepers and track materials, K J Bownes is recognised for its long-standing heritage, integrity, and dedication to the UK’s railway infrastructure.

Today

We are RISQS-approved Supplier

We are RISQS and FORS Approved, also a national minimum wage paying employer

As a RISQS-approved supplier, we are trusted by some of the biggest names in the industry and regularly supply materials to contractors, industrial projects, and heritage railways across the UK. Our reputation for reliability, expertise, and quality supply has been built over more than 60 years.

We are proud to offer tailored services, including nationwide delivery, with flexible solutions to meet the specific needs of our customers whether that’s for a private garden project or large-scale rail infrastructure works.

Our Mission

We are committed to supporting the UK’s railway infrastructure by offering efficient, professional, and environmentally responsible services. Our goal is to maintain long-term partnerships by delivering expert solutions, tailored to the needs of railway operators, contractors, and depots nationwide.

Our Specialisms

Supply of Railway Sleepers

We stock and supply a wide range of reclaimed softwood, hardwood, and concrete railway sleepers for landscaping, construction, and rail projects.

Specialist Haulage

Transport of 60ft rails and permanent way materials nationwide, using lorry-mounted cranes for efficient and safe handling.

Line-side Scrap Removal

Expert removal of scrap permanent way materials from trackside locations and redundant infrastructure.

Track Recovery & Depot Clearance

Professional recovery of track from disused sites and comprehensive depot clearance services.

Supply of Serviceable & New Track Materials

We provide a comprehensive selection of serviceable & new track materials, including rails, crossing timbers, relayable sleepers, & essential railway components.