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A senior science and technology expert with leading industrial technology specialist Tracerco, part of the Johnson Matthey Group, has won a prestigious award as the company celebrates 50 years of operations in the UK.

Peter Jackson, who has been with the company for 42 years, was selected from an esteemed group of inventors from across Johnson Matthey’s global divisions for the JM Inventor award. He was honoured for his role in developing the award winning TRACERCO Profiler™, an, instrument which works by providing a density profile of a vessel cross section subsequently provides a visual interpretation of the data. This is much in the same way an MRI scanner would provide a slice of a human body, essentially giving the operator “insight onsite”.

His continued dedication to the development of ground-breaking technology has involved redesigning key components to meet clients bespoke demands for operations in harsh, unique environments.

Having joined Tracerco only eight years after its formation in Billingham in 1958, Mr Jackson has played an integral role in the creation and implementation of the company’s revolutionary products and services. The business has grown from a small team of engineers investigating gamma radiation, to a global industrial technology solutions business and a world leader in its field. It now employs more than 250 people at strategic bases in Europe, Asia and America - a far cry from the company’s humble beginnings where staff could travel across the Billingham sites by pushbike.

More recently in 2006, the company opened its multi-million pound Tracer Technology Centre, which is used to undertake the research, development, manufacture and supply its range of innovative technology used in the global oil and gas service provider industry. It has ensured the company is at the forefront of the industry as its expertise is exported around the globe to Tracerco’s customers.

Mr Jackson, said: “The company has evolved dramatically since I joined. Its dedication to investing in new technology and also its highly trained people, are the reasons I am so committed to the business and its ambitions. It is very exciting being at the forefront of new technology and seeing ideas turn into reality which can have a significant impact on the industry.”

“Winning this award is a great achievement for me. To be chosen from such an established group of inventors from across the globe makes it even more special. However, this honour must be shared with my colleagues who have given invaluable support and assistance throughout the years.”

Andy Hurst, Tracerco’s managing director said: “This award is well deserved and a testament to Peter’s hard work and ingenuity. He is an integral part of the team and is a key driver behind the continued success of the company and its technologies. The knowledge and experience he imparts on our next generation of engineers and inventors is immense.

“Having been with the company for 42 years, Peter has worked with a consistently talented team which has seen significant changes throughout the past 50 years. We are looking forward to our first century of business as we endeavour to stay at the forefront of innovation for the oil, gas and petrochemical industry.”