Frederick John Walcott Derham (21 July 1900 – 12 May 1953) was an Australian entrepreneurial businessman who founded what would become known as Nylex in 1927.
[1] Immediately after the Great Depression, Derham invested in the construction of radio receivers and new plastic materials.
[1] It was only until after the war, that Derham broadened his business to a greater variety of plastics that included water hoses and other products during the post-war boom.
[3][4] The decision was also later made to move to Mentone, where the main manufacturing could begin in order to fulfil greater demand for such appliances as raincoats, hoses and wall papers.
[1] He was survived by his wife and three children, of which, his family (including his son, Sir Peter Derham) would take on the responsibilities of his company as Managing Director of Nylex until the 1970s.