CWMBRAN, UK — December 6, 2024 — Crane Company (NYSE: CR), a manufacturer of highly engineered industrial products for critical applications, today announces that on Friday, December 6, 2024, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the new Crane state-of-the-art facility at Saunders Valves – its specialist diaphragm valve manufacturer in Cwmbran, South Wales, UK.
Operating in Cwmbran since 1939, Saunders is a pioneer and leading innovator in diaphragm valve technology, serving the pharmaceutical, life sciences, chemical process, mining, and water treatment industries. Saunders has been also a long-term supporter of cystic fibrosis initiatives, driven by the efforts of Global Engineering Manager Adam Walton. Mr. Walton has played a pivotal role in raising significant funds for cystic fibrosis research and strengthening ties with the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. His Majesty, the King, has been Patron of Cystic Fibrosis Trust, since 2014. This shared commitment to such an important cause has led to a special visit to Saunders Valves by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
Guided by Saunders’ Operations Director Dafydd Lewis, HRH The Princess Royal toured the new 100,000 sq ft facility’s assembly lines at Grange Road in Cwmbran. The tour included research and development laboratories as well as the in-house rubber mill which is integral to Saunders’ unique ability to produce its renowned diaphragms on-site. These areas demonstrate the cutting-edge precision engineering, exceptional polymer expertise and commitment to sustainability that have positioned Saunders as a global leader.
Her Royal Highness was welcomed to Saunders by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent, Brigadier Robert Aitken, CBE, alongside Saunders’ leadership team, including Senior Vice President Andrew Powell, and Vice President/General Manager Rodrigo De Moraes.
During the factory tour, HRH The Princess Royal met long-standing members of the workforce, some with more than 40 years’ experience who bring their unparalleled experience and dedication to this specialised work.
Her Royal Highness also met Rachel Ritter, Head of Fundraising at Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in Sully, Cardiff which Saunders supports. The hospice provides specialist care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.
Saunders’ partnership with the hospice underlines the strength of its commitment to the communities it serves, reflecting Crane Company’s global philanthropic vision. This is underpinned by the Crane Fund for Widows and Children – a global initiative donating more than $2 million annually to organisations supporting food insecurity, healthcare, education, and other vital causes, in the communities where Crane Company operates.
The visit concluded with Her Royal Highness unveiling a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
For more information about Saunders Valves, its heritage and innovation please visit www.cranecpe.com and follow the Saunders and Crane ChemPharma & Energy LinkedIn pages.
