A Cwmbran-based, US–Owned Valve manufacturer has handed a cheque for $25,000 to St David’s Hospice Care to help fund its care in the community.

Crane Co, which owns Cwmbran’s Saunders facility, donated the equivalent of £19,201 to the charity from its Crane Fund for Widows and Children.

Emma Saysell, chief executive of St David’s Hospice Care, said: “Supporters normally donate money in pounds sterling but we’re just as delighted to receive donations in dollars or any currency for that matter.

"All the money we receive goes to helping us to continue to provide our support and care throughout our community, free to those in need.

“We really can’t thank Crane enough for this latest marvellous support and for other donations in previous years which run to many thousands of US dollars for St David’s Hospice Care and the former St Anne’s Hospice.”

Andrew Powell, vice president and general manager of Saunders, said that The Crane Fund for Widows and Children makes contributions to charitable organisations which provide direct assistance to the communities where Crane Co operates.

Mr Powell said: “The Crane Fund for Widows and Children is an opportunity to help support local charities in the area in which our associates both work and live.

"We know that there are a number of employees and their families which have received assistance from both St Anne’s and St David’s Hospice Care over the years so we decided to try and support the charity in a much more formal way.”

Since 2007 the Crane Fund for Widows and Children has donated around $156,000 to St David’s Hospice Care and formally St Anne’s Hospice

The Cwmbran-based business employs 205 people where they manufacture the full range of Saunders diaphragm valves which are sold into a wide range of industries.

PK Saunders invented the original diaphragm valve in 1928 and founded Saunders Valve Co five years later and this year is proud to be celebrating its 85th anniversary since it was founded in 1933. The company was acquired by Crane Co in 2001 after formerly being part of Alfa Laval.

Crane Co is a diversified manufacturer of highly-engineered industrial products with a substantial presence in a number of focused niche markets.