When it comes to welding and coating services, UK-based CRC Evans is a household name. Having built up a strong reputation over the last century, the company is now focused on exploring new markets and building a sustainable presence. Sales Director Henk de Graaf discussed the latest developments during an in-depth interview with Inside Sustainability. Report by Imogen Ward.
With time on its side, the company has grown its capabilities by implementing several strategic acquisitions and expanding organically. Today, the company has a manufacturing facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma; a seals and welding facility in Houston, Texas; one in the Netherlands; another in Saudi Arabia; and a further three in Scotland (one of which being the company’s headquarters).
ASa company, CRC Evans continues to leave its mark on the market with world class engineering solutions and top-quality customer service.
“We are by no means a newcomer with over 90 years behind the business,” explained Sales Director Henk de Graaf. “But as time moves on, technology has to advance, and so does the company. Over the years, we have made bold moves within the market, including developing automated welding in 1969 – a pioneering advancement that helped change the way the sector operated.”
CRC is also big on development and currently has four in-house R&D units, which remain heavily focused on improving CRC’s processes and developing innovative solutions for the benefit of both CRC and its clients.
“We aspire to be as flexible and innovative as possible, and our R&D units are great at accelerating that ambition,” commented Mr de Graaf. “Naturally, we develop for our own benefit, but we also do it for our clients and their specific needs. Our R&D units are divided across the globe and focus their efforts on regional developments.
For instance, our Scottish facility is heavily focused on advancing our efforts in hydrogen and making improvements to our welding capabilities.”
The company also works in tandem with its suppliers to implement leading customised
advancements. Identifying solutions for new welding power sources is just one area the company is investigating with the support of its supply chain.
CRC also does not hesitate when it comes to investing in new and innovative solutions. At any point in time, the company is ready and willing to invest.
“We are also often inspired by our past when looking for new solutions,” explained Mr de Graaf. “We have a very long history filled to the brim with pioneering products and innovation, and that knowledge is extremely useful. When approaching the R&D department in the past with issues, they have highlighted past projects that provide the perfect solution. So, it’s surprising how often the answer can be found in-house.”
Green energy
Although CRC has been around a long time, it was not until more recently that the company made the decision to switch focus to an area of the market that is quickly expanding.
Green energy is fast becoming a spotlight on everyone’s radar as the world competes in the race to net zero. And CRC is no different.
“We are specialised in everything welding and coating, but the past two years have really been focused on sustainability,” revealed Mr de Graaf. “From wind farms and infrastructure to nuclear energy, these are all areas we have begun exploring to enhance our presence.”
Hydrogen is amongst these more sustainable revenue streams, and it is an area that CRC has achieved great success in so far.
“We have supported the construction of three hydrogen pipelines; one in Belgium, one in Croatia and one in Romania,” said Mr de Graaf. “There is a huge amount of potential in the hydrogen market, and we do expect to see a significant uptick in these types of projects going forward.”
CRC has also completed qualification and availability trials for a further hydrogen pipeline project within the UK labelled HyNet. While in its infancy, the project afforded CRC the opportunity to demonstrate the extent of its capabilities.
In Australia, the company is now also running a trial, which is similar to its previous work. CRC hopes this will open more doors in the future.
Internal improvements
Always one to lead by example, the company has been working hard to implement an internal sustainability strategy that encourages it to waste less and have a more conscientious attitude towards carbon emissions.
“We have, of course, gained our ISO 14005 and ISO 14007 certifications relating to environmental management, and there is a huge focus on safety, the environment and
everything associated with that,” explained Mr de Graaf. “Not only are we separating our waste, but we are also thinking proactively when it comes to our equipment, assessing the best ways to implement modifications to ensure we are future-ready and as efficient as possible.”
CRC regularly assesses its equipment to ensure every element continues to match its commitment to environmental impact reduction. This is also reciprocated by the company’s supply chain, which is made up of a whole host of companies that are already working above the European standard for sustainability.
“These companies operate with ethics that align nicely with our own,” said Mr de Graaf. “And they are absolutely crucial to CRC. If our materials aren’t supplied, then we can’t meet our commitments to the client.”
CRC relies upon manufacturers for specific consumable components that are not made in-house, which includes certain coating materials and welding wire.
“Without the support of our suppliers, we could not complete our projects,” continued Mr de Graaf. “This would be problematic, especially if the project is on a vessel that has to sit around and wait for the project’s completion before it can continue with its daily operations.”
Spreading the word
Ever one to share its knowledge with the world, CRC attended this year’s ADIPEC exhibition, which was focused on defining the future of energy. For CRC, who regularly attends the event, this focus was ideal –especially as the company continues to lend its attention to the renewable energy sector.
“We attended with a very strong team made up of senior management,” said Mr de Graaf. “When I first joined CRC 15 years ago, ADIPEC was like any other show, but
now it’s so much more than that. It is an incredibly hardcore and professional industry event that people aspire to visit.
“We thoroughly enjoy attending ADIPEC each year to enhance our current relationships and build new connections with potential clients.”
CRC intends to remain a regular attendee of ADIPEC for years to come. Also on the agenda for the company is a continued focus on the energy transition.
“We intend to bring in new talent to keep the business running, and we also plan to follow up on all tenancies that relate to the energy transition,” explained Mr de Graaf, in conclusion. “Every day, CRC continues to make leaps and bounds for the renewable energy sector. When comparing the company to where it was 35 years ago, the difference is astonishing.
“Automation and advancements have helped guide CRC to the leading-edge, and our evolution over the years gives me every confidence that we will do great things in the world of renewables.” n
