IMechE President Terry Spall (left) with AESSEAL managing director Chris Rea. Photo: Lynda Bailey

Chris Rea, managing director of Rotherham-based AESseal plc, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

This is the organisation’s highest accolade and makes Mr Rea one of an elite group of people who were already Fellows prior to becoming an Honorary Fellow; this award recognises how he has grown a small mechanical seals design and manufacturing business with a staff of just five in 1979, to a global group of companies — AES Engineering Ltd — that now operates in 230 locations world-wide, with 1,700 employees and annual sales of £191 million.

Colin Brown, the IMechE’s CEO, said: “Mr Rea has chosen an inspirational career route, being both an economist and an engineer. His skills and business acumen are shown in how he grew AES Engineering to become a leading manufacturer, developing UK engineering excellence while at the same time promoting a wider interest in science and technology in Yorkshire.”

Mr Rea, who gained a degree in Economics from Queen’s University Belfast before later qualifying as a Chartered Engineer with the Institution, said: “I am humbled to have received this honour. Being a Chartered Engineer and Honorary Fellow is rare and highlights how engineering and entrepreneurship are jointly so important to building the UK’s manufacturing base in the face of global challenges.”