Member Article

Oliver Valves acquires new site for future growth

Oliver Valves, the Cheshire-based manufacturer of valves and equipment for the global oil and gas industry, has exchanged contracts with Cheshire East Council to acquire a 17-acre plot of land at Parkgate Industrial Estate in Knutsford.

The site, located adjacent to the business’ current headquarters, was purchased for an undisclosed sum and will be used to support its long term expansion. The business is now considering options for the development of the site which include consolidating its current twelve factory units on the estate.

The investment follows a period of rapid growth for the company which saw sales rise by 56 per cent to £65.5 million in 2012 due to sustained growth in exports to key markets including the Americas, Middle East and Far East.

In 2012 the business expanded with a new 47,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Knutsford and in 2013 it has invested in a new R&D facility dedicated to product development and a new 5,000 sq ft distribution centre, also at Parkgate Industrial Estate.

The company, which operates across three divisions - Oliver Valves, Oliver Valvetek and Oliver Twinsafe – and employs 350 people in Knutsford, is now targeting growth to a turnover of £100 million within the next 12 to 18 months.

Michael Oliver OBE DL, Chairman of Oliver Valves, said: “We’ve been manufacturing valves in Cheshire for more than 30 years and we’re proud that products designed and made here are a feature of major energy projects all over the world.

“We’re committed to our future in Knutsford and this acquisition will ensure we have the room to expand the business organically as we pursue our ambitious growth targets. We look forward to bringing forward proposals in due course.”

Councillor Michael Jones Leader Cheshire East Council said “We are delighted that we have been able to accommodate the long term future and expansion plans of such a key employer which retains and creates new skilled employment opportunities within Cheshire East”.

Darran Lawless, MD of the Councils new development company “East Cheshire Engine of the North” and responsible for handling the transaction said “We look forward to working with Oliver Valves to assist with their future development proposals”.

Oliver Valves was launched by Michael Oliver in 1979 with a single product – an innovative valve of his own design – and has grown to supply energy projects across the globe.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Oliver Valves .