NEWS 8 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS April/May 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk have the tools, the team, and the environment needed for success – enabling us to move faster, accelerate our learning, and design solutions that are aligned with where our customers are headed.” The building itself was designed with these goals in mind: a vibrant, light-filled space where innovation can truly thrive. “We Lees, we’re all dreamers,” said William W. Lee, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “This building reflects that vision, helping to fuel the next generation of growth and progress our parts into the future.” A ribbon cutting ceremony held on March 3rd brought together company leadership, employees, representatives from local government and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, project design and construction partners, and members of the media to mark the beginning of a new era in the company’s history. Record-breaking year celebrated at the 2026 Pump Industry Awards The winners of the 2026 Pump Industry Awards were revealed at a Gala Dinner and Presentation Ceremony held on the evening of 19th March at The Hilton Hotel, St George’s Park, Burton upon Trent. Now in its 26th year, the event once again brought together leading figures from across the pump sector to celebrate excellence, innovation, and achievement. This year’s awards saw a record number of entries, underlining the continued strength, diversity, and forward-thinking nature of the industry. From cutting-edge pr oduct development to sustainability initiatives and skills advancement, the breadth and quality of submissions demonstrated a sector firmly focused on meeting the challenges of the future. Opening the evening, the BPMA President, Lee Tebbatt praised the calibre of entries and the collaborative spirit of the industry: “The Pump Industry Awards continue to showcase the very best our sector has to offer. This year’s recordbreaking participation is testament to the innovation, resilience, and talent that defines our industry. Every finalist and winner should be immensely proud of their achievements.” Among the evening’s standout honours, Product of the Year, sponsored by DFA Media Group, was awarded to Selwood for its SelTank, recognised for its innovation and practical impact. Simon Finlay, Solutions and Electrical Development Director at Selwood commented: “Winning the Product of the Year Award is a tremendous milestone for the SelTank project and its journey so far. It’s a welldeserved recognition for everyone at Selwood and across the Workdry Group who helped transform a simple sketch of an idea into an award-winning innovation. In the Environmental Contribution of the Year category, sponsored by SPP Pumps, ABB took top honours for its IE5 Synchronous Reluctance (SynRM) Motor Range, highlighting the growing importance of energy efficiency and sustainability. Metcor Pumps was named Distributor of the Year, jointly sponsored by Calpeda and Caprari, while John Crane received the ABB sponsored Contribution to Skills & Training Award for its partnership with The University of Sheffield, underlining the sector’s investment in future talent. The Project of the Year award, sponsored by World Pumps, went to Baker Hughes for its Reliable Pumping Solution for Combined Cycle Plants, a project demonstrating engineering excellence from design through to operation. One of the most prestigious accolades of the evening, Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by WEG UK, was awarded to SPP Pumps, recognising its outstanding performance and industry leadership. Meanwhile, WEG UK was also celebrated as the winner of Supplier of the Year, sponsored by Wilo. The next generation of talent was recognised in the Rising Star Award, sponsored by Innomotics, with Luke Norris of John Crane UK taking the title. Reflecting on his achievement, Norris said: “It’s a huge honour to be recognised among such talented peers. This industry offers incredible opportunities, and I’m excited to be part of its future.” The Sustainable Contribution for a Better World Award, sponsored by AESSEAL, was presented to Apex Pumps, acknowledging its commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation. Another sponsor, Patrick Tantum, Group Director, UK & Ireland at Calpeda and Caprari, summed up the evening’s significance: “We are honoured to support the BPMA’s Pump Industry Awards programme, which continues to showcase the very best of innovation, engineering excellence, and collaboration across our sector. It was a pleasure to be part of the evening once again, bringing the industry together to recognise success, reconnect with peers, and highlight the strength of the community behind it. Not only does it celebrate achievement, but also sets the benchmark for standards, drive progress, and inspire the next phase of growth within our industry. We are proud to play our part in supporting that journey.”
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