REFLECTIONS PART 3 – A Family Business
Family Business Towards the end of the seventies, Asplan Beldam moved his home from Stratford in East London—where he is reputed to have made his first packings on the kitchen table with the help of Mrs. Beldam—to Acton, then a pleasant rural suburb. He took the manufacture of the packings into the district with him, and very soon after acquiring the Boston Lodge estate in Brentford, he set up the packings operation in a few small buildings at the southern end of the site. That is where the Beldam Packing and Rubber Company, vastly expanded of course, still flourishes. Meanwhile, Asplan had brought one of his brothers, Robert, into the business as Sales Manager. Both men were strong personalities with decided views on most matters, so conflict about the conduct of the business was probably inevitable. At all events, Robert left the firm in 1891 to set up first as a general merchant in the City, and later to form a packings company of his own. Asplan had brought his two sons, George William and Cyril Asplan, into the business. They were both Cambridge graduates with engineering training, and both remarkable men in different ways. George was keenly interested in technical matters—a prolific inventor who, in later years, amassed an impressive array of patents on an astonishing variety of articles, from manhole covers through golf clubs and photographic plates to tyres and tobacco pipes—not to mention dozens of patents for packings and jointings. Cyril early displayed a talent for financial administration and office organisation. These divergent capabilities more or less decided the roles the brothers would play in the Beldam Packing enterprise—Cyril organising the financial control, sales and distribution from the City office, and George running the factory. But that is leaping ahead of our story. All the time, pressures and temperatures used in marine steam engines continued to rise. Asplan and George—and to a lesser extent Cyril—were constantly devising and trying out new forms of packings to keep Beldam products ahead of increasingly severe operating requirements. Thus, in 1894, Asplan introduced his Tubular Packing, which embodied a number of small grease-filled tubes to assist lubrication. All the White Star Line ships were fitted with these for some years. In 1904, the father-and-son team produced the original Pilot Packing, which had a solid rubber backing and a slotted white-metal bar embedded in the folded fabric. This bar provided a strong, low-friction, long-wearing bearing surface, while the slots in it enabled it to accommodate itself to a wide range of diameters. Pilot was a great success, and extensions to the Brentford plant were needed to cope with the demand. The name “Pilot” eventually became part of the company’s trademark, and the Brentford works were officially dubbed Pilot Works. In the first decade of this century, Asplan, George, and Cyril produced and patented innovations and inventions by the score. Many were in the field of packings, but many more concerned products that could possibly become suitable subjects for the rubber manufacturing side of the business—pneumatic tyres, golf clubs, balls, cricket bat handles, the latter reflecting the fact that both George and Cyril were keen cricketers and good all-round sportsmen. There was even an application for a patent on stocking suspenders in the name of L. Beldam—which we believe was Leonie, Asplan’s wife—but the application was not proceeded with, so we are tantalisingly deprived of details of this possible testimony to the inventiveness of the distaff side of the Beldam family. Like most other makers of packings, the Beldams had known for years that rubber, suitably vulcanised, offered great advantages as an impregnating medium for the fabric in packings. They already used it in packings for hydraulic and other low-temperature applications, where its qualities of flexibility and durability were plainly demonstrated. However, there was no rubber compound available that would stand up to the temperatures encountered in steam engines. It had been possible to use rubber in the Pilot in the form of a solid backing—which was a half-way step to the flexibility of a rubber-impregnated packing—but the compounds of 70 years ago disintegrated rapidly when used as thin impregnating films in the presence of high-temperature steam. In the meantime the Crossley’s were also making headway… (THE ENTIRE RELECTIONS SERIES CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.BELDAMCROSSLEY.CO.UK/ ABOUT-US/OUR-HISTORY)
PTFE Seals & Gaskets for Aggressive Media for the Petrochemical Industry
Chemically Inert PTFE Seals for High-Corrosion, High-Temperature Applications Sealing systems within chemical plants must operate reliably in corrosive environments that degrade elastomers and standard polymers. Concentrated acids, alkalis, oxidisers and solvents attack most sealing materials, resulting in leakage, downtime and contamination risks. Beldam Crossley designs and manufactures PTFE seals and gaskets engineered to perform reliably under extreme media exposure, temperature, and pressure. Using our Crossflon® materials, we provide long‑lasting sealing solutions for pumps, flanges, valves, pipework, mixers, and reactors. Selected Crossflon® Materials for Sealing Crossflon® 1000 Maximum chemical resistance and purity. Used for sealing high-corrosive media where contamination control and inertness are essential. Crossflon® 703 Enhanced wear resistance suitable for dynamic and high load applications in pumps, compressors, mixers and valves. Crossflon® 603 High rigidity and creep resistance under pressure. Ideal for static gasket applications and compressed flange sealing. Compared with elastomers such as Silicone, EPDM, and FKM, as well as plastics like UHMWPE or PVC, Crossflon® grades will not degrade, soften, or swell. They are engineered to maintain dimensional stability and sealing integrity even in highly aggressive environments. Applications Include pipe flanges and compressor gaskets dynamic pump seals valve seats shaft seals in mixing vessels dosing and transfer systems reactor and vessel interfaces Performance Advantages inert to strong acids/bases and oxidisers wide temperature capability reduced cold flow with filled grades food/pharma compliant grades available In modern petrochemical facilities, reliability is everything. Crossflon® sealing materials reduce process risk, extend maintenance intervals, and improve operational safety across aggressive media handling. PTFE Seals & Gaskets for Aggressive Media for the Petrochemical Industry CROSSFLON® MATERIAL TYPICAL PRODUCTS KEY CHARACTERISTICS 1000 High-purity gaskets, diaphragms, bellows, sight glass seals, Insulating bushes/spacers Maximum chemical resistance, inert to acids/solvents/bases, low contamination 703 Dynamic pump seals, compressor seals, high-load/pressure flange gaskets, valve stem packing, wear pads Enhanced thermal conductivity, reduced wear rates of wear. Good physical properties whilst retaining most of the chemical resistance of Virgin PTFE 603 Static flange gaskets, compressed sealing rings, valve seats, mixer bushings, pump housings Excellent balance of chemical, electrical insulation and mechanical properties. For applications requiring low cold flow and high compressive rigidity 403 Aggressive media seals, corrosive pipeline gaskets, reciprocating piston seals, compressor rings Similar properties to Crossflon 703, but with ultra-low coefficient of friction. Ideal for dry running or poorly lubricated applications 1404 High-temperature sealing elements, housing seals, compressor rings, pump/mixer seals Maintains seal integrity under high heat with excellent deformation resistance, kind to mating surfaces For more information speak to one of our expert engineers today +44 (0)1204 675 700 www.beldamcrossley.co.uk
Engineering Giants: How Beldam Crossley Became a Global Skidway Leader
Interview: Inside the Rise of Beldam Crossley’s Skidway Systems How engineering precision, material science and global collaboration are redefining offshore loadout performance. When you sit down with Ian Harbottle, Divisional Manager at Beldam Crossley, you quickly realise that “skidway systems” are far more than just steel beams and bearing plates. They’re the unseen backbone of some of the world’s most ambitious offshore construction projects — systems that quietly carry tens of thousands of tonnes of engineered structures from shore to sea. “If we’re not the global leader in this product,” Ian begins, “we’re certainly one of them. We can logistically make that claim. Our products have been used to skid some of the world’s biggest offshore structures ever built.” From Bolton to the Global Stage Beldam Crossley has been manufacturing skidway systems for more than two decades, supplying fabrication yards and barge operators worldwide. But 2024 marked a milestone. “Last year was our record year,” Ian explains. “Some of the world’s largest topsides and jackets were skidded using our technology. It’s been an incredible period of growth — we’ve not only broken the £1 million turnover mark for skidways and bearings, but we’ve also expanded our customer base into new regions.” That growth, he notes, came on the back of both recovery and renewal. “There was a natural dip during COVID, as major fabrication projects were paused. What followed was a surge — yards catching up, and operators looking for proven, reliable systems. It’s been a case of experience meeting opportunity.” Engineering the Movement At the heart of every skidway system is Crossflon® XF225, a proprietary PTFE-based bearing material that Beldam Crossley bonds to steel backing plates to create ultra-low-friction tracks. These are then welded to skid beams, forming the base on which entire offshore structures slide during loadout or launch. “In simple terms,” Ian says, “our material forms the low-friction interface between the structure and the beam. It has extremely low friction values, it’s hard-wearing, weather-resistant, and it will take very high loads. In my view, it’s the best product of its type in the market.” The technology has been tested not just in laboratories but in the toughest environments on earth. “We always say lab testing gives you the theory, but real-world data gives you the truth,” Ian adds. “When our customers carry out a loadout, they record the pulling forces used to move these huge structures. From that, you can calculate friction. And those figures prove what we already know — that our specified values are achievable in real conditions.” Defining Offshore Scale To appreciate the scale of the challenge, Ian describes one of the projects in which Beldam Crossley’s systems played a part. “That particular topside weighed nearly 48,000 tonnes (Including the deck support frame) — to my knowledge, the largest ever skidded in the history of the world. I doubt it’ll ever get much bigger than that.” Projects like this demand a level of precision that goes far beyond basic manufacturing. Each plate must maintain dimensional stability under extreme pressure, resist environmental degradation, and perform reliably whether in the searing heat of the Middle East or the humidity of Southeast Asia. “You can’t afford inconsistencies,” Ian notes. “If one section grips harder than another, it can throw off the entire load-out. That’s why our customers trust us — the consistency of the product, the traceability, the testing — it all counts.” Breaking New Ground Beldam Crossley’s skidway technology has supported projects in the Middle East, Europe, Mexico, Malaysia, and China, with major yards now switching to their systems over traditional alternatives. “We even gained a new customer last year who had always gone to our biggest competitor. That was a big step forward — proof that performance speaks louder than price.” The company’s approach blends material science with hands-on engineering collaboration. Each system is tailored to suit its project’s geometry, loading and operational conditions. “Every yard and every vessel has a slightly different setup,” Ian explains. “We don’t just sell a plate — we work with engineers to make sure the interface is right, the tolerances are right, and that the whole system performs as one.” The Challenge of Sourcing the Right System Ask Ian what the biggest challenge is for clients sourcing a skidway, and his answer is immediate: “Integration. Getting every part — the beams, plates, and bearings — to work together under real-world conditions. The materials must carry extreme loads and maintain low friction, but they also have to be consistent, certified, and ready when the project needs them. That’s not something you can buy off the shelf.” With in-house design, material blending, machining, and testing all under one roof in Bolton, Beldam Crossley has positioned itself as a true engineering partner — not just a supplier. “That’s what makes the difference,” Ian concludes. “When you control the process from raw polymer to finished skidway system, you control performance, reliability, and delivery. That’s what our customers depend on.” About Beldam CrossleyFounded in 1876 and part of the Indutrade Group, Beldam Crossley specialises in engineered sealing, bearing and polymer solutions. Its Crossflon® range of advanced PTFE-based materials are used in critical applications across marine, subsea, aerospace, and energy sectors worldwide. en*******@***************co.uk +44 (0)1204 675 700 www.beldamcrossley.co.uk
Local News Celebrates Our World-First Innovation
We are delighted to have been featured in The Bolton News following the launch of our game-changing subsea bearing range. This marks an exciting moment for Beldam Crossley. Backed by a £150,000 research investment, our new subsea bearing line is the result of years of development, designed to deliver enhanced performance in demanding underwater environments. Being spotlighted in the local press reaffirms our commitment to innovation and engineering excellence. It’s a proud moment for our team in Bolton and everyone involved in bringing this project to life. Read the full feature in The Bolton News
Beldam Crossley Launches Game-Changing Subsea Bearing Range Following £150,000 Research Investment
Subsea engineers now have access to an innovative bearing solution with unmatched compressive strength, ultra-low friction, and zero maintenance requirements. Beldam Crossley, a UK-based engineering specialist in high-performance polymer sealing and bearing components, has officially launched its new subsea Crossflon® slide bearings that are powered by the proprietary Crossflon® XS material. Developed over a three-year period with an R&D investment exceeding £150,000, the range is set to redefine standards in subsea bearing performance. The launch marks a strategic milestone for Beldam Crossley as it extends its engineered polymer expertise into the subsea sector. This new product is already in active use within a major offshore installation off the coast of Angola, operating at depths of up to 780 metres. At the heart of this new pioneering product, exclusive to Beldam Crossley is Crossflon® XS, a proprietary filled PTFE developed in-house to solve one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: how to combine extreme compressive strength with the ultra-low friction required in subsea environments. Where traditional PTFE materials typically force a compromise between load bearing capacity and coefficient of friction, Crossflon® XS breaks the mould, delivering static values as low as 0.03 (on par with virgin PTFE) while withstanding compressive loads up to 75MPa, which is nearly three times that of conventional glass filled PTFE. Gareth Holt, Sales Director at Beldam Crossley said: “This is a world-first and we are beyond proud in bringing this proven solution to market. There is no other PTFE-based material we’re aware of on the market that can perform like Crossflon® XS. We’ve created a genuinely unique solution that is proven, tested and now installed in one of the harshest environments on Earth. It really is a game changer for businesses.” Incorporating Crossflon® XS into Beldam Crossley’s established slide bearing technology, the new subsea bearings are purpose-built for applications such as flowline end terminations (FLETs), in-line tees (ILTs), pipeline end manifolds (PLEMs) and pipeline end terminations (PLETs). These components play critical roles in subsea processing, often in SURF-related projects (Subsea Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines). Key features of these new subsea Crossflon® slide bearings include maintenance free operation over an extended period, near-zero water absorption and weldable construction, thus eliminating the need for bolted connections. In addition, with Beldam Crossley’s in-house design and testing facilities, they can be tailored to bespoke project needs. Such Crossflon® slide bearings were used on a subsea installation of the coast of West Africa, where they where they were subjected to rigorous real-world testing conditions. The project, has opened doors to conversations with major energy and EPC contractors globally. Engineered in Bolton, the subsea Crossflon® slide bearings launch also underscores Beldam Crossley’s long-standing expertise in PTFE innovation. The company was among the first in the UK to process PTFE over 60 years ago and has since developed a broad range of proprietary grades under the Crossflon® brand. Gareth added: “This isn’t just a new product, it’s a strategic leap that will re-define subsea engineering. It validates years of R&D investment and showcases what British engineering can achieve when we push the boundaries of materials science.” Following the successful Angola deployment, Beldam Crossley has seen record sales growth, with PTFE-based bearing systems exceeding £2 million in revenue in 2024 alone; a figure set to rise as demand for high-performance subsea materials grows across oil, gas, and renewable sectors. www.beldamcrossley.co.uk
Beldam Crossley Newsletter – Issue 2 Now Available!
We’re delighted to bring you the second edition of the Beldam Crossley Newsletter. This issue highlights our latest innovations, important milestones, and stories that reflect the hard work and dedication of our team. From product developments to industry events and community achievements, this newsletter offers a clear view of how we’re continuing to build on our progress and strengthen our commitment to excellence. 👉 Read the newsletter (PDF)
From 1978 to 2025: How Testing Has Shaped the LidPack® Legacy
A story of tradition, innovation, and the seal of trust After more than 35 years of testing, trials, and tensile data, our commitment to doing things right has never wavered—even as our tools have evolved. Looking Back: Our First Tests of LidPack Resilience in the 1970s One of the most iconic machines in our workshop was the original compression tester, installed in the 1970s. Built like a tank, it wasn’t just used—it was trusted. I remember it chugging away, testing LidPack seal recovery and endurance long before digital systems were introduced. It helped define our early commitment to ensuring every seal could withstand compression and return to form, providing a watertight, dependable fit time after time. We still have photos of it—steel arms, analogue dials, and that unmistakable hum. It was a snapshot of engineering at its rawest and most honest. That first generation of testing taught us something essential: the best seal isn’t just designed—it’s proven. Fast Forward to 2025: Enter the Tinius Olsen 10ST Nearly five decades on, our approach to testing has only grown more advanced. This year, we introduced the Tinius Olsen 10ST Tensometer into our in-house test facility—a £30,000 investment in future-proofing both our products and our processes. This cutting-edge machine simulates real-world hatch and lid scenarios by subjecting seals to long-term performance tests. It replicates intermittent load cycles, mimicking the compressive forces caused by lock bars and closures during everyday operation. What it confirms is what we already know:Our seals recover. They perform. And—most importantly—they last. The technology may have evolved since the 1970s, but our principle remains the same:Test everything. Trust nothing until it’s proven. Where Tradition Meets Technology We’ve never been a company to chase trends. Instead, we’ve invested in what truly matters—our people, our materials, and our processes. Our in-house testing lab enables us to validate every product through dedicated, rigorous evaluation. By blending traditional mechanical craftsmanship with modern digital precision, we ensure that every LidPack seal meets—and exceeds—global expectations, including DNV and US Coast Guard approvals. What makes our testing approach unique isn’t just the equipment. It’s our culture. Every seal is treated like it could be the one preventing a critical failure. That mindset drives our engineers. It’s why generations of customers continue to trust us. The LidPack® Recovery Promise The standout feature of our LidPack range is recovery. When a seal compresses and then returns to its original shape, it maintains a tight, leak-free fit—even after thousands of operations. Without recovery, performance degrades. With recovery, you get reliability, safety, and peace of mind. Our tests simulate repeated use under real-world pressures to ensure that promise is delivered—whether it’s for a chemical tanker, fuel truck, or rail hatch. Since the 1970s (and even earlier), we’ve performed these tests in-house to generate traceable data. Combined with decades of customer feedback, we have the proof:Our seals recover. And that’s why our customers return. Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter As someone who has spent most of their working life here, I can confidently say the heartbeat of Beldam Crossley hasn’t changed. It’s still about careful craft, continuous improvement, and absolute accountability. With new investments like the Tinius Olsen and upcoming upgrades—such as the MTS Landmark hydraulic test system—we’re not just preserving our standards, we’re raising them. And while I may feel nostalgic about our old tensometer and its clunky charm, I’m just as excited for what’s next. Stay tuned. In the coming months, we’ll be sharing a closer look at our testing processes, the people behind them, and how we’re preparing to support the next generation of engineers and customers alike. Here’s to the blend of past and future—and the seal of trust that holds it all together.
REFLECTIONS: CELEBRATING 149 YEARS
Founded in the year 1876, Beldam Crossley sprang forth from the visionary mind of Asplan Beldam, whose legacy is deeply entwined with the Marine Engineering Industry. Asplan, a luminary of the Victorian era, emerged as a pivotal figure in the annals of UK industry. His illustrious memberships with the Institutes of Naval Architects and Mechanical Engineers culminated in the honour of being the inaugural president of the Institute of Marine Engineers. A man of remarkable intellect and vigour, he honed his craft through hands-on experience in various shipyards and engineering establishments. By the tender age of 26, he ascended to the roles of general manager and chief designer of both ships and engines at the Allibon Noyes shipyard along the storied Thames in London. From the outset, innovation was his guiding star, as he tirelessly pursued enhancements in engine efficiency, emerging as a pioneer in the realm of higher steam pressures. The prevailing wisdom of the time suggested that elevated steam pressures could yield greater power from every pound of coal consumed. Yet, this theoretical promise posed challenges for engineers in practice, leading many to adhere cautiously to the safe confines of 30-40 lb per square inch—the standard for most steam boilers. Undeterred, Asplan, after conducting successful trials, transformed the landscape by designing and patenting a boiler capable of producing steam at an extraordinary pressure of 150 lb per square inch. Such elevated pressures and exceptional engineering necessitated the use of superior packing seals, marking the inception of a remarkable tale… In the next issue: Unveil the record-breaking achievements born from Asplan’s groundbreaking inventions.
Why Lidpack® 3801L is the Gold Standard in Marine Hatch Packing Seals
Beldam Crossley, the UK’s only manufacturer of marine hatch packing seals, is now offering next-level delivery and support through a strategic partnership with SEM Endustriyel in Turkey. This expansion ensures two-day delivery of its flagship Lidpack® 3801L compression seals to key marine hubs across Europe. Why Lidpack® 3801L is the Gold Standard in Marine Hatch Packing Seals Developed for marine and tanker hatch applications, Lidpack® 3801L is a DNV-certified, US Coast Guard-approved packing seal designed to withstand harsh chemicals, temperature extremes, and aggressive fuels—including Naphtha, making it ideal for IMO2 and IMO3 chemical tankers and land-based road tanker manlids. Its proprietary PTFE and elastomer composition ensures: Rapid Dispatch from Turkish Distribution Centre Recognising the critical nature of emergency seal replacements, Beldam Crossley now holds local stock of Lidpack® 3801L in Istanbul, slashing delivery times from three weeks to just two days. This not only boosts response capability for marine operators but also reduces the carbon footprint compared to international freight. On-Board Service, Local Support This logistics and service boost is made possible through Beldam Crossley’s exclusive partnership with SEM Endustriyel, led by Onur, a former naval officer and experienced marine engineer. Their combined expertise brings: From Manufacturer to Strategic Partner The 2024 partnership marks a key milestone in Beldam Crossley’s evolution from product manufacturer to full-service sealing solutions provider. Marine operators can now expect faster support, expert advice, and reliable sealing performance backed by 149 years of engineering experience. Order Marine Hatch Packing Seals with Confidence If you’re responsible for tanker maintenance, marine cargo integrity, or chemical transfer safety, choose Lidpack® 3801L—the trusted name in marine hatch packing seals. Engineered in the UK, stocked in Turkey, and supported by on-site expertise across Europe. 👉 Contact Beldam Crossley today to enquire about Lidpack availability, technical specs, or local servicing in your region. FAQs: Marine Hatch Packing Seals Q: What is a marine hatch packing seal? A: It’s a sealing element used to create a tight, leak-proof closure on cargo hatch lids of chemical and oil tankers. Lidpack® seals are designed for pressure resistance, chemical durability, and DNV compliance. Q: What materials are used in Lidpack® 3801L? A: It is a composite of chemically-resistant elastomers and PTFE materials designed for durability and performance under marine conditions. Q: Where can I get it? A: Lidpack® is stocked in the UK and now in Istanbul for rapid shipping to Europe and surrounding regions. Q: Is it certified? A: Yes. Lidpack® 3801L is DNV-approved and holds US Coast Guard certification, validating it for use on marine vessels handling hazardous cargo.
Beldam Crossley Lidpack® Hatch Seal Solution for Chemical and Crude Oil Tankers
Beldam Crossley, a global leader in sealing solutions for critical industrial applications, has announced its DNV-certified Pilot® Lidpack® 3801L hatch seal – the only product of its kind recommended for use with Naphtha in crude oil transportation. This pioneering seal is proven in the marine industry for safety, environmental compliance, and cargo integrity. With over 40,000 chemical tankers operating worldwide transporting hazardous cargoes such as crude oil, methanol, and benzene; the need for robust, leak-free sealing has never been greater. Beldam Crossley is the only seal manufacturer globally to manufacture recommended hatch seals for Naphtha, reaffirmed through DNV retesting certification every ten years and which is a game-changer for the industry. The Lidpack® range, available in 3800 and 3801L, offers an energised rubber core and several proprietary materials including a chemically inert wrap of PTFE for maximum chemical resistance. Braided PTFE yarn for strength and abrasion resistance and outer layers of PTFE for total impermeability are other key USP’s of the range. This results in zero leakage, from hatch lid operations which has earned the product certifications from both DNV and the U.S. Coast Guard, and Lloyds registered. Designed for marine chemical and solvent transportation, Lidpack® sets a new industry benchmark for reliability, environmental stewardship, and onboard safety. In just 18 months, all major shipping companies in Istanbul have converted to Beldam Crossley seals, eliminating the risk of leaking hatches and avoiding fines linked to failed pressure build-up tests. “Leaks not only endanger marine ecosystems and crew but also lead to significant financial penalties for the captain and the ship itself. A failed pressure test requires either immediate repair or vessels face costly delays and regulatory fines of 10% of the total cargo value which we have seen imposed into the thousands of pounds and leaving port delays, “said Lee O’Connor, Marine sales executive at Beldam Crossley. In 2024 alone, Beldam Crossley resolved six major hatch leak incidents across six international fleets, reinforcing its commitment to global maritime safety. The company also supports retrofit solutions for vessels worldwide, helping operators remain compliant and efficient. Additionally, the Lidpack® solution helps prevent the costly sea and rain water ingress into the cargo holds contaminating shipments, hatch leakage and ingress are plaguing the sea transport industry, Beldam Crossley Ltd Lidpack is the cure. Beldam Crossley continues to lead with innovation and responsibility, providing cutting-edge solutions that protect cargo, crew, and the marine environment. For more information, visit www.beldamcrossley.co.uk
