John Crane celebrates double win at 2026 PIA awards
22 Mar 2026
Flow control and rotating equipment specialist John Crane scooped two of the eight categories at the 2026 Pump Industry Awards, in recognition of its commitment to developing engineering talent and skills.
The company received the Contribution to Skills & Training award for its partnership with the University of Sheffield, together with the Rising Star Award which went to apprentice Luke Norris.
The award-winning partnership with the University of Sheffield focuses on academic learning with practical, real-world engineering experience. The initiative is one of 19 partnerships with external training providers including universities, where the firm funds PhDs and research in materials science and engineering.
Norris, an apprentice to engineer Level III, was credited for both technical capability and a strong commitment to continuous development.
Mike Eason, chief technology officer at John Crane, said: “These awards are a strong endorsement of our commitment to developing engineering talent and investing in the future of our industry.
“Through partnerships like the one we have with the University of Sheffield, we are creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers to gain real-world experience and build the skills needed to solve complex challenges.”
He said Norris’s achievement was an example of what can be accomplished through dedication, curiosity and the right support.
Added Eason: “It reflects not only his individual efforts, but also the strength of the development programmes and mentorship across our organisation.”
The PIA Awards, organised by the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) took place at the Hilton at St. George's Park, Burton upon Trent. The list of category winners included:
Product of the Year: Selwood Seltank
Project of the Year: Baker Hughes, From Design to Operation - Reliable Pumping Solution for Combined Cycle Plants
Environmental contribution of the year: ABB, IE5 Synchronous Reluctance (SynRM) Motor Range
Manufacturer of the year: SPP Pumps
Distributor of the year: Metcor Pumps
Contribution to skills & training: JohnCrane, Partnership with The University of Sheffield
Rising star: Luke Norris, JohnCrane UK
Sustainable contribution for a better world: Apex Pumps
