Since its founding in 1923, John Crane’s Slough site has been behind a number of groundbreaking innovations, including the first automobile mechanical seal (1936), the first cartridge seal (1949 ), a seal used in the pump that put Apollo II into orbit (1969), the 2800E zero-emissions pump seal (1995) and the patented hygienic secondary seal (2021).
To recognize the 100th anniversary, the site hosted an event in September for employees and business partners, with special guests Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, and The Lord-Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, James Puxley.
The theme of the event―Pioneering Progress for Over 100 Years―celebrated the company’s heritage while also looking ahead to an exciting future with product and technology demonstrations that will provide a platform for growth over the next 100 years. The event showcased the company’s cutting-edge industrial seals, 3D printing capabilities and automated rigs, with experts on hand to discuss John Crane’s role in enabling the global energy transition.
Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan said: “The UK is a world leader on net zero, cutting emissions faster than any other G7 country, with our industrial sector playing a key role. Backed by over £900,000 in government funding, John Crane’s dry gas seals will help industry to decarbonise, while ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of developing new green technologies.”
James Puxley, the Lord-Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire said: “On behalf of His Majesty The King, I would like to congratulate John Crane on achieving 100 years as a UK-registered company and for achieving 100 years on the Slough Trading Estate, making the company the longest-running tenant of Slough Estates.
John Crane president Bernard Cicut said: "Being a part of the Slough community and serving our customers for 100 years is a testament to John Crane's enduring legacy and steadfast dedication to excellence."
