1910

In Chicago, Illinois, building maintenance engineer John Crane repairs leaky radiator valve feed pumps using lead foil from tobacco packages. He earns his first of three packing patents (U.S. Patent 0956042A) – and the metallic packing industry is born.

1910

First John Crane patent on a mechanical seal.

1915

Frank Payne, a sales rep for Warren Steam Pumps, sells John Crane’s metallic packing on commission. He convinces John Crane to form the Crane-Payne Partnership, opening a facility at 1829 S. Clinton St., Chicago.

1915

A letter addressed to Mr. Payne dating back to 1915 before the company’s launch.

1915

Frank Payne placing a time capsule in a brick pillar at the 1800 W. Cuyler Avenue Chicago facility as it was initially being built.

1915

Engineer John Crane receives U.S. Patent #1,151344 for “Packing and Method for Making the Same”.  This innovation allows John Crane to mass-produce his metallic packing material in a way that ensures a smooth, uniform surface.

1918

Crane Packing sets up Flexible Metallic Packing Company, Ltd. in Windsor, Ontario and begins manufacturing metallic packing for the Canadian market.

1918

Crane Packing opens U.S. sales offices in Philadelphia, New York City and Pittsburgh.

1919

Crane Packing completes the building at 1800 W. Cuyler Ave., Chicago. The building is expanded three times over the next 35 years.

1919

To keep pace with the tremendous demand for metallic packing, Crane Packing builds a block building at 1800 W. Cuyler Avenue to house all of its manufacturing and office operations.

1919

Crane Packing opens its Boston sales office.

1919

Crane Packing opens its Houston sales office in the heart of Texas oil country.

1938

With an increase in women in the workforce, women are checking the lapping on mechanical seal faces.

1938

Queen Mary II ocean liner is launched with a turbine condenser system sealed with Crane Packing.

1939

First automotive mechanical seal patented.

Founding of Stevenson Engineering, later Sealol.

1939

Tube Investments (TI) Group acquires UK-based Crane Packing Ltd.

1941 - 1949

Type 1 Elastomer Bellow Seal: Demonstrating John Crane’s industry-innovation, with its proven track record of exceptional performance, the Type 1 elastomer bellows seal is widely recognized as the industry's workhorse.

1941 - 1949

Type 6 Metal Bellow Seal:  The Type 6 High-Temperature, Rotating Edge-Welded Metal Bellows Seal revolutionized the industry.

1941 - 1949

Type 8-1: The Type 8-1 Elastomer O-Ring Seals delivered innovation and superior functionality when handling industrial fluid.

1941 - 1949

Type 9: The Type 9 PTFE Wedge Seals are standard for use where corrosive liquids are being processed.

1944

Over the years, John Crane has boasted many company sports teams across the globe. Here you’ll see the John Crane Bowling League featured.

1944

The Crane Packing Softball team, which used a 16 in. softball known as the “clincher”, was popular in Chicago, Illinois during the Depression and remains popular today.

1944

John Crane Cribbage Team from Slough, UK.

1944

John Crane Dart Team from Slough, UK.

1944

John Crane Football Team from Slough, UK.

1944

John Crane employees participating in a company golf match.

1944

John Crane Squash team.

1949

First ready-to-install cartridge seal, the T-8-B, introduced to reduce plant downtime.

1949

First coupling patent for John Crane Slough, UK.

1960

Even back then, the quality of our product was key to our business culture. Here you’ll see the first Metastream M-Series diaphragm coupling is installed in a nuclear facility.

1960s

Expansion includes launches in Mexico, Holland, Brazil, Germany, Australia, South Africa, and a joint venture in Japan.

1960s

New products include Free-All penetrating oil for frozen bolts, nuts and machine screws; Cyclo Clean, a cone-shaped abrasives separator for shaft seals; Type 1 & 1-B shaft seals with DuPont Viton bellows; and Types 9B-2 and 8B-1 mechanical seals.

1966

The “Stuffing Box” newsletter was John Crane’s internal corporate newsletter used to keep employees connected.

1966

The CrossBowMan newsletter was used to keep employees connected in our Slough, UK office.

1968

Breakthroughs include the first Type 28AT dry gas seal patent; work on non-contacting, dry gas seal technology; and advancement in spiral groove technology.

1968

Crane Packing’s packing division moves into a new 63,000-square-foot building in Morton Grove.

1968

John Crane Japan is established and they are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2018.

1970 - 1990

From the 1970s to the 1990s, John Crane has expanded globally with 25 major manufacturing sites and over 200 locations around the world to serve our customers wherever they need us.

1970 - 1990

As an example of our global expansion, subsidiaries are established in Singapore and Spain, and in 1980, Portugal. First Middle East office also opened in Kuwait.

1975

First field application of a Type 28 spiral groove gas seal.

1975

Demonstrating John Crane’s seal face technology innovation, the Type 26 is introduced showing an end face shaft seal with tungsten carbide sealing faces.

1979

First use of Type 28 non-contacting dry gas seal on a pipeline compressor. This product revolutionizes the gas compression industry, replacing dual wet seal technology.

1979

John Crane is recognized by Chemical Processing magazine as a Vaaler Awards recipient.

1980

John Crane UK receives U.S. Patent 42124475A for a self-aligning spiral groove face gas seal.

1980s

Operations established in Saudi Arabia, Korea and Taiwan, and a joint venture in China.

1981

Crane Packing, until now a family-owned business, is purchased by Houdaille Industries, a holding company and renamed John Crane – Houdaille Inc.

1981

Sealol Ireland, later to be acquired by John Crane, introduces the first low-cost metal bellows edge-welded seal, the Type 680 seal using Carpenter 20 super alloy.

1984

First dry gas seal manufactured for a steam turbine from John Crane Slough facility.

1984

John Crane UK acquires Mauri Bros / Burns Philp interest to form John Crane Australia Pty Ltd., headquartered in Sydney.

1989

As another example of innovation, John Crane launches the Type 8000 upstream pump seal bringing non-contacting spiral groove technology to pumps.

1989

Type 37FS split seal is created.

1990s

John Crane patents non-contacting sealing technology for pumps for environmentally sensitive liquids.

1990s

John Crane introduces the Type 48 Low-Emissions Shaft seal to control emission to less than 500 ppm. This seal is ideal for industrial applications involved in the processing of VOCs and similar hazardous materials.

1990s

John Crane applies pump technology to ensure that our customers meet or exceed the standards of the American Petroleum Institute (API), and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) stringent regulations for hazardous emissions.

1990

John Crane acquires Lemco, a manufacturer of seal systems.

1990s

image John Crane expands in:

• Dubai, UAE
• Jakarta, Indonesia
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Chennai, India

1991

The industry is becoming more and more digitized, changing rapidly with the launch of the Internet and increased usage of the mobile phone.

1991

A state-of-the-art Technology Testing Center (TTC) was built to address API 682 low emissions regulations, as well as to qualify and test seal designs in actual real-world, harsh service conditions. Our world-class testing center was a key step in developing low-emissions technology.

1992

John Crane releases the industry’s first rubber bellow split seal developed commercially to meet the needs of Power Generation, Pulp & Paper, and Mining applications. This split mechanical face seal is patented (U.S. Patent 5114163).

1992

Formal opening in Colombia & Argentina.

1996

The American Petroleum Institute (API) 682 compliant cartridge seal is released.

1996

John Crane launches the Type 5600 Family of Universal Cartridge Seals, delivering a truly modular, interchangeable platform that was a first in the industry.

1997

World's largest dry gas seal, 13"/330mm, is produced for a 7500 psi test rig.

1997

The first Managed Reliability Program (MRP) is signed in the U.S.

1998

TI Group acquires Sealol, Safematic, and Flexibox couplings products to further expand John Crane’s reach in oil & gas, pulp & paper and general industry.

1998 - 1999

John Crane Czech Republic headquarters for Eastern Europe is established. Ten years later, it will include John Crane’s largest manufacturing facility.

2000

TI Group merges with Smiths Industries, becoming Smiths Group plc, a global technology company based in London. John Crane becomes part of Smiths Group plc.

2000

Type 28 EXP 350 bar tandem seal launches.

2000s

Due to significant growth, we expand our facility operations footprints in locations including Mexico, Chile, Thailand and China.

2002

John Crane develops the Type 5870 Heavy Duty Flushless Cartridge Slurry Seal, which operates without an external water source, eliminating the need for a water flush which can save thousands of gallons of water per day in a mining, power generation, or Pulp & Paper applications.

2002

San Fernando, Mexico facility opens for high-volume seal production.

2004

John Crane earns U.S. patent for gas conditioning unit (GCU) systems designed to improve the operational environment that the gas seal operates in, creating a dry gas environment.

2004

JC Sealing Systems India is established, combining John Crane India and Flexibox India.

Type 604, 609 HTC High Temperature Corrosive API 682 Qualified Metal Bellows Seal (2005)

A highly engineered design reduces face distortions providing superior leakage control, improved running reliability and longer life.

Processing Breakthrough Product of 2006

John Crane’s seal for high temperature and corrosive environments is selected for breakthrough product of 2006 by Processing Magazine.

Type 5860 Heavy Duty Single Slurry Seal (2006)

The T5860 extends pump life in harsh environments and difficult to service conditions. It also reduces water usage and extends shaft life compared to packing.

Type 5840 Moderate Duty Single Slurry Seal (2006)

The T5840 unique cone spring profile provides constant loading and improved rubber encasement integrity. It provides an easy upgrade from packing, conserves water usage, handles high slurries without hang-up potential and extends pump up time.

Type 7800 Series Universal Vessel Seal (2007)

The T7800 is the only multi-technology mixer seal platform on the market, providing a flexible seal technology platform for plant application customization and enhanced LCC.

Type 5610/20D Wet/Dry Single/Dual Cartridge Seal (2007)

The T5610/20D is the first off-the-shelf wet / dry cartridge seal on the market. As the only dual standard cartridge with dry running secondary containment seal, it improves the life on problem pumps where dry running is encountered – a simple dry dual seal arrangement.

Type 2874 Outward Pumping Gas Barrier Seal (2007)

The T2874 is the only standard face-to-back gas seal on the market. Its performance and reliability is a preferred arrangement. It has a simplified barrier system and a leveraged world-wide experience.

Type 48V Standard Ear Drive Seal Head (2008)

The Type 48V’s unique retainer drive slots eliminate the bayoneting of SiC ears into the retainer. The best-practice, tested designs are suitable for critical high-pressure services.

Type 32i Quet Dry Running Mixer Seal (2008)

The Type 32i is a non-squealing, patent pending active noise mitigation mechanism. It creates a safer work environment with quieter performance to meet plant guidelines without a need for expensive noise abatement systems.

Type 2874NE Outward Pumping Gas Barrier Seal (2008)

The Type 2874NE the only standard face-to-back, non-elastomer gas barrier seal on the market. It has a patented reverse balance feature, performance and reliability of preferred API arrangement, a full reverse pressure capability and is non-elastomer.

Type 3740 Split Cartridge Pump/Mixer Seal (2009)

The Type 3740 has simple drive, stable face pair and fewer components than the competition. It provides ease of installation, superior dry running materials, high pressure capability and is priced competitively.

Type 5610/5620V Enhanced Drive (2009)

The T5610 is an interchangeable high-performance drive with extended torque range capability. The Standard Cartridge with interchangeable enhanced drive design provides extended performance in special applications.

JC Diamond SiC with UNCD Diamond Film (2009)

This proprietary John Crane material with improved state-of-the-art tribological characteristics has enhanced LCC, energy consumption, performance and application range at a price premium over conventional material.

JC Diamond R&D (2009)

John Crane receives prestigious R&D 100 award for Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Technology.

Type 48VL High Pressure Liquid CO2

The Type 48VL provides excellent primary seal reliability with the lowest overall system cost arrangement, a lower entry cost technology than 28VL. It has enhanced face technology and performance versus Champion.

2005

Slough, UK creates John Crane’s largest gas seal test rig.

2005

The world’s largest 350mm Type 28XP gas seal is created and delivered in Slough, UK.

2006

2609 HTC and 3609 HTL high-performance, high-temperature seals for oil & gas refineries are launched.

2006

JC Technology (Tianjin) China established, incorporating Timing Seals Co Ltd.

2007

John Crane acquires CDI Energy Services, CDI Oilfield Services, Fiberod, and Global Energy Products to create John Crane Production Solutions (JCPS), specializing in artificial lift equipment and services for upstream oil & gas.

2007

Safeunit Ultima launches and is patented in 2008, supporting a mechanical seal while reducing water waste.

2007

Smartflow awarded by United Nations' Best Environmental Initiative award in Australia.

2010

John Crane supplies the world's largest diameter couplings, 55".

2010

Valve for cryogenic applications is developed.

2010

John Crane introduces the Type 2874NE gas seal.

2012

Tedd Smith serves as interim and 11th CEO of John Crane, joining from the FlexTek division of Smiths.

2012

Type JCS Integrated Double Mechanical Seal for Sulzer pump technologies is patented designed for use in pumps used in environmentally hazardous liquids.

2012

John Crane establishes operations in Lima, Peru.

2013

Dry gas seals experienced as the highest pressure seal.

2013

John Crane Colombia signed the first Global Managed Reliability Services Program in the midstream market (Oil Pipelines Market).

2014

John Crane Malaysia is established in Kuala Lumpur.

2014

Seal monitoring and control system patented (U.S. Patent 8651801).

2014

The Aura^™ 220 gas seal launches, first in the Aura family of next-generation gas seals.

2015

Company logos from 1917 to 2015.

2015

John Crane launches new brand to better align with the needs of rotating equipment manufacturers and users in the process industries.

2015

XPD8 Solutions and OIE Services are acquired to expand John Crane's asset management solutions.

2017 - present

Jean Vernet serves as 14th CEO of John Crane.

2017

March 9: John Crane marks 100-year anniversary centennial celebration.

2017

March 9: John Crane marks 100-year anniversary centennial celebration.

2017

March 9: John Crane marks 100-year anniversary centennial celebration.

2017

March 9: John Crane marks 100-year anniversary centennial celebration.

2017

March 9: John Crane marks 100-year anniversary centennial celebration.

2017

March 9: John Crane marks 100-year anniversary centennial celebration.

2017

March 9: John Crane marks 100-year anniversary centennial celebration.

2017

March 9: John Crane marks 100-year anniversary centennial celebration.

2018

John Crane divests the Bearing business to free up capital for further investment in R&D and innovative solutions, including digitization, additive manufacturing and materials including nanotechnology

2018

Performance based reliability contract won in the Pulp & Paper Industry.

2018

John Crane celebrates centennial anniversary with parties across the globe.

2018

John Crane celebrates centennial anniversary with parties across the globe.

2018

John Crane celebrates centennial anniversary with parties across the globe.

2018

John Crane celebrates centennial anniversary with parties across the globe.

2018

John Crane celebrates centennial anniversary with parties across the globe.

2018

John Crane celebrates centennial anniversary with parties across the globe.

2018

John Crane celebrates centennial anniversary with parties across the globe.

2018

John Crane celebrates centennial anniversary with parties across the globe.

2018

John Crane celebrates centennial anniversary with parties across the globe.

2018

John Crane celebrates centennial anniversary with parties across the globe.

2018

John Crane concludes the year-long centennial celebration, while reinvesting in our pioneering heritage and our worldwide service network of ~200 locations