John Crane Production Solutions, Inc. (JCPS), a subsidiary of John Crane, has announced the introduction of a high-temperature Fiberod® fiberglass sucker rod used for upstream oil production in shale fields where customers operate in extreme high temperatures. This technology evolved from the original light-weight fiberglass rod introduced by the company more than 20 years ago and now used in many of the world's largest oil fields. The high-temperature rod provides an energy efficient option for use in difficult conditions, where customers previously used heavy and more costly pumping units.

Duncan Gillis, President and CEO of John Crane, said: "Shale fields will continue to be a significant and viable energy source used to meet growing energy demands. We developed this new technology so the extreme temperatures that can be found in shale field production would not be a barrier to entry for our customers. In addition to meeting their requirements for reliability, the new rod will meet expectations for environmental management practices."

The new fiberglass sucker rod is corrosion-resistant and has a resin matrix that can withstand well temperatures of up to 285 degrees Fahrenheit. It is used in many oil and natural gas fields across Texas, California and North Dakota in the U.S. They are used, for instance, in the Eagle Ford shale field in south Texas, one of the largest active shale fields in the world. Operators have produced over 4,000 barrels of oil a day, and collectively, the operations have contributed close to 40,000 jobs in the surrounding area1.

JCPS offers sucker rod products, rod pumps, specialty products and on-site technical service for customers in the upstream oil market. It is a subsidiary of John Crane. For more information, visit www.productionsolutions.net.

About John Crane

John Crane is a global leader in the design and manufacture of mechanical seals, couplings, hydro-dynamic bearings, seal support and filtration systems, and artificial lift products. The company serves a variety of markets including the oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, and mining industries. John Crane employs more than 7,000 people and has operations in over 50 countries. 2012 revenues were approximately $1.5 billion. John Crane is the largest division of Smiths Group, a global technology business listed on the London Stock Exchange (SMIN). For more information, visit www.johncrane.com.

1. Eagle Ford Shale Play. KED Interests, LLC, Houston TX. http://eaglefordshale.com. January 28, 2013.

John Crane
Media Relations:
Alicia Antrim-Highlander, +1 (847) 967-2995
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