John Crane Slough Celebrates 100 Years of Customer Service and Business Excellence

Slough, UK, September 29, 2023: John Crane, a global leader in rotating equipment solutions – and a division of Smiths Group plc, a leading industrial technology company – proudly announces its momentous milestone of 100 years in business in Slough, United Kingdom, and being present on the Slough Industrial Estate.

Since its founding in 1923, John Crane’s Slough site has been dedicated to delivering innovative products, providing exceptional customer service and pioneering advancements in the industry.

To recognize the occasion, 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, Mr 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.”

Mr. 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. Throughout our history, we have evolved and adapted to the changing needs of our customers while remaining committed to the core values that have defined our success. This achievement would not be possible without the hard work, dedication and technical expertise of our employees, and together, we remain committed to shaping the industry for future generations."

To celebrate its 100 years milestone, John Crane Slough also hosted an open house and luncheon for employees and their families and retirees that included a site tour and history walk, and fun activities for children, lunch and live music.

John Crane’s Slough site has seen significant growth from its humble origins to the prominent company it is today, with more than 280 employees driving world-class engineering and technology solutions. John Crane Slough has been behind some of the most groundbreaking innovations in the UK, including:

• First automobile mechanical seal (1936)
• First cartridge seal (1949 )
• Seal used in the pump that put Apollo II into orbit (1969)
• Mechanical shaft seals used in two propeller shafts of the Queen Elizabeth II ocean liner (1960s)
• 270F Boiler Feed Seal (1970)
• Patented 515E formed metal bellows seals (1985)
• 2800E zero-emissions pump seal (1995)
• 2100 compact elastomer seal (1997)
• Patented hygienic secondary seal (2021)
• Bayonet drive system (2022)
• Zero backlash drive of reciprocating pumps (2023)

John Crane is an active member of the Slough Business Partnership, which champions the needs of local businesses. Over the years, the company has trained and employed hundreds of apprentices from local colleges. John Crane Slough is committed to giving back to the local community and is an active contributor to many local charities.