NEWS 12 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS February 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk temperatures and operating conditions. Advances have included bi-directional grooves, ultra-high-pressure capability up to 425 barg / 6164 psig, new materials such as Carbon LF™ and digital diagnostics made possible through John Crane Sense(R) Turbo, enabling real-time condition monitoring and predictive insights. Sustainability has also become a defining element of sealing technology. Wet-to-dry gas seal retrofit programmes have delivered CO 2 reductions of around 278,000 tonnes per year in certain customer applications, while modern dry gas seals can reduce methane and fugitive emissions by up to 95% when replacing traditional oil-lubricated wet seals. The latest separation seal designs, such as the Type 93AX further reduces nitrogen consumption by up to 80% compared to traditional carbon ring assemblies, supporting operators’ energy efficiency goals. Today, John Crane says its dry gas seals supports a global installed base numbering in the thousands, backed by over 200 manufacturing, sales and service centres, including 12 turbo service centres worldwide. This combination of technology leadership, global reach and on-site expertise continues to support customers’ operational reliability, environmental performance and safety goals. “Dry gas seals transformed compressor reliability and set a new industry standard in 1976,” said Rubén Álvarez, President of John Crane. “Our 50-year anniversary not only celebrates a milestone in engineering innovation but also recognises the continued dedication of our global teams and the customers who have trusted our technology for decades. We remain committed to advancing sealing solutions that support reliability, efficiency and the future of sustainable energy.” MTC accelerates strategic vision with four non-executive appointments The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has appointed Natascha Engel, Professor Paul Monks CB and Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE as non-executive directors to its board, strengthening its commitment to deliver the UK’s industrial strategy and drive innovation in advanced manufacturing. Professor Paul Conway FREng, who is already a non-executive director on MTC’s board, has been appointed as the chair of MTC Training’s board. Natascha Engel joins the board with extensive experience in public policy and governance, having held senior leadership roles at Palace Yard as its CEO and in the UK Parliament as Deputy Speaker. Her expertise in policy development, stakeholder engagement and strategic oversight will support MTC’s alignment with the UK’s industrial priorities. Professor Paul Monks CB brings a distinguished career in scientific and innovation leadership, including former roles as Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), as well as Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Leicester. His expertise in climate science, sustainability and technologydriven policy strengthens MTC’s mission to transform the UK’s industrial base with future-ready technologies. Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE is currently Professor of Chemistry and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Birmingham – one of MTC’s founding universities. She previously served as Head of the School of Chemistry and spent ten years at the University of Warwick, working across major research and leadership portfolios. Her experience in leadingedge chemical research and academic leadership will support MTC’s efforts to bring academia and industry closer together. Professor Paul Conway FREng is currently Professor of Manufacturing Processes at Loughborough University. Prior to his current roles, he was Dean of the School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering at the university and Director of EPSRC’s Innovative Electronics Manufacturing Research Centre and Centre for Doctoral Training in Embedded Intelligence. He was also Chair of EPSRC’s Manufacturing the Future Strategic Advisory Team, providing strategic advice to develop, modify and implement research and training strategy. Commenting on the appointments, Dr Clive Hickman OBE, Chairman of MTC, said: “We are delighted to welcome our new non-executive directors at a pivotal time for UK manufacturing. Their expertise in policy, innovation, sustainability and skills will be invaluable as we accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and close the gap between research and real-world industrial solutions. These appointments will support our efforts to enhance UK competitiveness, encourage economic growth and help shape strategies that keep industry resilient and globally competitive.” AEMT announces 2025 Award winners The 2025 AEMT Awards returned to Coventry on 20 November, bringing together companies and specialists from across the electro-mechanical sector. Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton for the eighth year of the programme, the event attracted a near record number of entries across its eight categories and reflected the scale and diversity of work taking place within service, repair and engineering disciplines. The programme highlighted the expertise embedded within repair, service and maintenance operations. Funds were also raised for the Red Cross through a lively Wheel of Fortune, producing £2320.00 for the charity, with the winner carrying off a bottle of bubbly, £100 and an England shirt signed by Keegan. Hidrostal secured Product of the Year for its SuperBetsy IPS mobile pumping system, recognised for autonomy, efficiency and reliability in demanding field conditions. Project of the Year went to Rewinds & J. Windsor & Sons for manufacturing new axles for a 129-yearold steam locomotive, a scheme that
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