CleanTech start-up Lontra has strengthened its board with the appointment of John Spruell, an experienced engineering leader and former CEO of high tech specialist materials engineers Deloro Stellite.

John brings a particular experience in manufacturing to the board, having detailed experience of managing manufacturing processes in the UK and overseas. He has also led international joint ventures in the exploitation of novel technologies. John Spruell is a former CEO of high tech specialist material engineers Deloro Stellite through a turnaround following an MBO.

John was previously a Divisional Chief Executive at GKN, heading the Powder Metallurgy Division, where clients were primarily automotive. He started his career with Metalbox.

Peter Watson, Lontra Chairman: “John’s breadth of experience in manufacturing is a valuable resource for the team as the company moves from development phase through to manufacture of products for customers. We’re very pleased that John has joined the company at this exciting stage.”

John has acted as a business angel investor in a number of early stage companies, contributing both investment and management expertise, and is working with a number of VCs on acquisitions in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. He has invested in Lontra.

John Spruell: “The Blade Compressor™ and Lindsey Engine are very impressive products, and they attracted me to the company. But it’s Lontra’s huge commercial potential that convinced me to invest. I look forward to working with Lontra to realise that potential.”