Chris Rea awarded IMechE Honorary Fellowship

We are delighted to award an Honorary Fellowship to Chris Rea CBE who is the Chairman of Yorkshire-based AES Engineering Ltd, a leading global manufacturing group.

Forty years ago, Chris Rea took over a small seals design and manufacturing business in Rotherham and has grown it to operate in 230 locations worldwide, with 1,700 employees and annual sales of £191m.

Starting with a staff of just five in 1979, Chris’s investment and innovation has seen the company become a global design, production, and customer service leader. The main manufacturing business is AESSEAL plc, which was overall winner in The Manufacturer MX Awards in 2006 and 2011.

Chris has a degree in economics from Queen’s University Belfast. He later qualified as a Chartered Engineer with the Institution and is now one of a very elite group of people who were already Fellows prior to becoming an Honorary Fellow.

Dr Colin Brown, Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said:

“Chris has chosen an inspirational career route, being both an economist and 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.”

Chris Rea, Chairman of AES Engineering Ltd, said:

“I am humbled to have received this honour which is the highest accolade you can receive from IMechE. 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.”

Chris is a Deputy Lieutenant for South Yorkshire and in the New Year’s Honours for 2020 was awarded a CBE for services to business, innovation and exports.