A Royal's Visit to a Valve Manufacturing Facility

HRH The Princess Royal visits Crane’s Saunders Valves in Wales. Source: Crane Company

Crane Company, a manufacturer of industrial products for critical applications, announced a visit from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on December 6, 2024, to the new Crane state-of-the-art facility at Saunders Valves — its specialty diaphragm valve manufacturer in Cwmbran, South Wales, UK. 

Operating in Cwmbran since 1939, Saunders is an innovator in diaphragm valve technology, serving the pharmaceutical, life sciences, chemical process, mining and water treatment industries. Saunders has been a long-term supporter of cystic fibrosis initiatives, driven by the efforts of Global Engineering Manager Adam Walton. 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 in Cwmbran. The tour included research and development laboratories and the in-house rubber mill, integral to Saunders’ ability to produce its diaphragms on-site.

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. 

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 organizations 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.