Crane Company (NYSE: CR) makes engineered industrial products, such as fiberglass composites for recreational vehicles (RVs), airplane components and fluid handling valves. Fluid handling valves control the flow of coolant, chemicals, and water and are used in facilities ranging from nuclear power plants to chemical and pharmaceutical production facilities and water filtration plants. ^[1] In 2007, fluid valves were responsible for 43% of Crane's revenues.

Gas prices play a significant role in determining company's ability to sell its fiber glass products. In 2007, higher oil prices led to a drop in RV production, reducing demand for the company's fiberglass paneling. During the same year, a 23% decline in transportation industry demand for new vehicles reduced Crane's sales of materials for production of truck bodies and refrigerated trucks.^[2] Nevertheless, price increases in 2006 and sales from companies acquired in 2006 led to a net increase in revenue for the engineered materials segment.^[3]

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