Category: News

This month, we are proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone for one of our most dedicated and longest-serving employees—Steve Bowyer, who has completed an incredible 35 years with Oliver Valves. His loyalty, adaptability, and expertise have left an indelible mark on the company, and we are thrilled to recognize his contributions to our success.

Steve’s journey with Oliver Valves began back in 1989 when he joined the team on the shop floor. Over the years, he proved himself to be not only a hard worker but someone with a deep understanding of our operations and a knack for continuous learning. This led him to take on multiple roles within the company, from hands-on production work to customer-facing responsibilities in our Customer Care department. His experience and insight into the entire valve manufacturing process have made him an invaluable resource to colleagues and clients alike.

Steve’s current role in Production Control at Oliver Valvetek has been pivotal in ensuring the smooth and efficient manufacturing of subsea valves. His careful attention to detail and thorough understanding of the intricacies of production schedules have allowed us to consistently meet customer demands and uphold the high standards Oliver Valves is known for.

Reflecting on his journey, Steve remarked, “The last 35 years have been an incredible ride. Oliver Valves has always been like a second family to me, and the opportunities to grow and develop within the company have been endless. I’ve worked alongside some fantastic people and seen the company evolve over the decades, but the one constant has been the commitment to quality and innovation. I’m proud to have been a part of that.”

Steve’s contribution to Oliver Valves has not gone unnoticed, and his milestone anniversary provides an opportunity for the company to express its gratitude. Dr. Michael Oliver, Founder and Chairman of Oliver Valves, shared his appreciation: “Steve has been a pillar of Oliver Valves for over three decades. His commitment and versatility have not only shaped his career but have also played a vital role in shaping our company. We are truly grateful for his service and the positive influence he’s had on the company’s culture and success.”

Steve’s legacy at Oliver Valves extends beyond his professional accomplishments. He is known for his willingness to mentor newer team members, sharing the knowledge he’s accumulated over the years and always being there to lend a helping hand. His colleagues speak highly of his approachable nature, reliability, and keen problem-solving skills, which have all made him a go-to person across the business.

As we celebrate this important milestone, we not only look back with pride at Steve’s contributions but also look forward to the future, knowing that his work will continue to impact Oliver Valves for years to come.

From everyone at Oliver Valves, congratulations, Steve, on 35 years of service, and here’s to many more!

 

Oliver Valves has announced a significant investment in its R&D and testing capabilities with the introduction of a new in-house hydco cycle rig. This advanced system is designed to automatically test up to four ball valves simultaneously, enhancing the company’s ability to ensure product quality and reliability.

The new hydco cycle rig is equipped with pneumatic actuators that operate with precision, offering the capability to handle valves with torque up to 82.3 Nm and withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +80°C. These features allow for comprehensive testing that closely replicates real-world conditions, ensuring that the valves can meet the demanding requirements of various global industries.

Enhancing Valve Testing Precision
The system’s automated valve testing capabilities mark a significant improvement in the efficiency and accuracy of Oliver Valves’ testing processes. With the ability to test four valves at once, the rig reduces manual intervention while increasing throughput.

Additionally, two of the testing stations are equipped with sensors that measure crucial data points such as pressure drops, temperature fluctuations, and the correct opening and closing of valves. The system’s alarms automatically stop the test if any parameter exceeds the acceptable range, preventing damage and recording each valve’s cycle data.

Contamination Control for Accurate Results
One of the rig’s standout features is its contamination control. To maintain a clean testing environment and prevent cross-contamination during fugitive emissions tests, an extractor fan has been installed. This ensures that any leaks from one valve do not affect the results of tests on others, guaranteeing the accuracy of each test.

Custom Programming for Flexibility
The hydco cycle rig is also designed with flexibility in mind. Each valve station is controlled by its own Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), allowing engineers to tailor test cycles according to the specific needs of different valve types. The PLCs enable independent control over the time between each valve’s opening and closing cycle, ensuring that the tests can be adapted for a variety of projects.

A Testament to Global Innovation and British Engineering
This new rig is part of Oliver Valves’ ongoing commitment to reinvesting in R&D and improving its manufacturing processes. “The hydco cycle rig allows us to enhance our quality assurance and deliver even more reliable products to our global clients,” said a company spokesperson. “It exemplifies our dedication to innovation, precision, and British engineering excellence, ensuring that every valve meets the highest standards before it reaches our customers.”

With this cutting-edge system in place, Oliver Valves continues to lead in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of high-performance valves, supplying industries across the globe with the robust solutions they require

 

In a momentous achievement that marks three decades of innovation, reliability, and engineering, Oliver Valvetek proudly announces the shipment of its 150,000th subsea valve. This milestone reflects not only the company’s long-standing commitment to the subsea industry but also the trust and confidence our customers have placed in our solutions, which have consistently delivered zero failures and exceptional performance in some of the harshest environments on the planet.

The journey to this extraordinary accomplishment spans over 30 years, a period during which Oliver Valvetek has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible in subsea valve technology. Our subsea valves are engineered to operate reliably in some of the world’s most demanding and high-pressure environments, from deep-sea oil and gas fields to pipelines that stretch for hundreds of miles. Through it all, Oliver Valvetek has maintained a steadfast focus on safety, durability, and precision, ensuring that every valve meets the exacting standards required by the industry.

A Look Back at Our First Valve: A Symbol of Evolution

This milestone is made even more meaningful when we reflect on where it all began—with the very first valve that Oliver Valvetek ever manufactured. That valve, a manually operated diver-actuated model designed for the North Sea, played a key role in subsea operations for over a decade. After 10 years of service, it was returned to us as part of routine pipeline maintenance, which we then swapped for a new valve to save the original for posterity

The evolution from that first valve to the advanced technology we deploy today is clear to see. The first valve, with its manual handles and diver-actuated mechanism, was a product for it’s time. It laid the foundation for the continuous advancements we’ve achieved over the years, including the shift toward automated, remote-controlled, and even more compact and efficient valve designs. Each innovation has been driven by the goal of improving performance, safety, and ease of maintenance, ensuring that our customers can depend on our products under even the most extreme conditions.

Celebrating Progress and Innovation

Oliver Valvetek’s journey to 150,000 subsea valves is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence by our engineers, designers, and production teams. Every valve is crafted with precision and care, incorporating cutting-edge technology and materials that ensure long-lasting performance. Our ability to reach this milestone reflects the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our team, as well as the strong relationships we’ve built with our trusted partners and clients around the world.

Each valve we produce undergoes rigorous testing and quality control procedures to guarantee that it meets the highest standards of reliability and safety. Our customers operate in environments where equipment failure is simply not an option, and we take that responsibility seriously. From the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the icy conditions of the Arctic, Oliver Valvetek’s valves have proven themselves time and again in some of the most hostile environments on Earth.

A Shared Success: The Role of Our Team and Partners

The achievement of shipping 150,000 subsea valves is a shared success that belongs not only to Oliver Valvetek but also to the partners, suppliers, and customers who have accompanied us on this journey. Our collaborative approach to engineering solutions ensures that every valve we produce is designed with the end user in mind, and the feedback we receive from our partners plays a crucial role in our innovation process.

As the subsea industry continues to evolve, so too does Oliver Valvetek. Our commitment to research and development means we are always looking for new ways to improve our products and services, from increasing the longevity and resilience of our valves to enhancing the efficiency of installation and operation. Our focus on innovation has allowed us to stay ahead of the curve, delivering solutions that not only meet the current demands of the industry but anticipate future challenges.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for Oliver Valvetek

As we celebrate this historic milestone, Oliver Valvetek remains focused on the future. While reaching the 150,000th valve is a significant achievement, we know that there is still much more to accomplish. The demands on the subsea industry are greater than ever, with deeper wells, longer pipelines, and more extreme operating conditions requiring advanced solutions that can withstand the test of time.

Looking ahead, our focus will be on continuing to develop cutting-edge technology that enhances the safety, reliability, and performance of our valves. We will also be exploring new materials, manufacturing processes, and automation techniques to further improve our products and provide the highest possible value to our customers.

Our commitment to sustainability is also a key part of our future strategy. As the world shifts towards cleaner energy solutions, we are investing in new technologies and partnerships that will enable us to play a leading role in the energy transition. Whether it’s supporting carbon capture and storage projects or developing valves for hydrogen and other renewable energy applications, Oliver Valvetek is dedicated to being at the forefront of the industry’s future.

A Proud Moment for the Entire Oliver Valvetek Family

The shipment of our 150,000th subsea valve is a moment of immense pride for everyone at Oliver Valvetek. It’s a testament to the dedication and skill of our entire team, from the engineers who design our valves to the technicians who ensure they are built to the highest standards of quality. It’s also a reflection of the trust that our customers have placed in us over the years—trust that we will continue to earn as we move forward.

As we celebrate this incredible achievement, we remain committed to delivering the highest level of quality, performance, and innovation that has defined Oliver Valvetek for over three decades. Here’s to the next 150,000 valves—and beyond!

To find out how Oliver Valvetek can meet your subsea project valve requirements, contact us by telephone +44 (0)1565 632 636, email us at sales@valves.co.uk or visit our website www.valves.co.uk.

 

Oliver Twinsafe is proud to announce the completion of a major project for the Shell Jackdaw platform in the North Sea, delivering two substantial 12″ Class 1500 Super Duplex valves. These valves, designed under our reference OTS3774, are a testament to Oliver Twinsafe’s commitment to engineering excellence and high-performance solutions for demanding environments.

Equipped with Rotork electric actuators and limit switches on both isolates, the valves provide precise control and optimal reliability, key to the smooth operation of the Shell Jackdaw platform. These robust valves were designed to meet the most stringent standards in the industry, including full Design Validation Testing (DVT) and compliance with Shell’s rigorous MESC SPE 77/300A requirements.

The valves, crafted from Super Duplex materials known for their superior corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, are built to withstand the extreme conditions of the North Sea. This project is particularly significant due to the size and complexity of the valves, which are far beyond standard pipeline components.

Carl Widdowson, Oliver Twinsafe’s Supply Manager, shared his thoughts on the achievement: “Delivering these 12″ Class 1500 Super Duplex valves for the Shell Jackdaw platform was a complex but highly rewarding project. It highlights our team’s technical expertise and our capability to deliver solutions that meet Shell’s exacting standards. These valves are a true example of Oliver Twinsafe’s commitment to quality and reliability.”

The successful completion of this project further solidifies Oliver Twinsafe’s reputation as a leader in the subsea valve industry. With the new valves now in place, Shell’s Jackdaw platform is well-equipped to handle the demanding operational environment of the North Sea, ensuring safety, efficiency, and longevity.

As Oliver Twinsafe continues to innovate and deliver large-scale valve solutions, we look forward to supporting more landmark projects in the global energy sector.

To find out how Oliver Twinsafe can meet your project valve requirements, contact us by telephone +44 (0)1565 632 636, email us at sales@valves.co.uk or visit our website www.valves.co.uk.

As we celebrate 45 years of success at Oliver Valves, we know that none of it would have been possible without the dedication of our incredible team of dedicated staff.

Today, we want to shine a light on one of our longest-serving members, Jimmy Dalzell, who has been with us for an impressive 36 years. Starting as an assembler in 1988, Jimmy’s mechanical expertise and commitment have been instrumental in some of our most significant developments, including the introduction of our ball valve, DBB, Valvetek, and Twinsafe ranges.

Jimmy’s journey with Oliver Valves has been marked by countless contributions, from hands-on assembly and pressure testing of products that began as ideas and grew into industry standards. Reflecting on his career, Jimmy fondly recalls the early days, particularly a his first interaction with Dr Michael Oliver when he humorously asked Jimmy, “Have you gone to sleep there, pal?” as he filled out his job application. It’s a memory that perfectly captures the friendly and supportive atmosphere that has made Oliver Valves more than just a workplace.

The two photos below show Jimmy with Mark Oliver and Colin Bell in 1991 and again last year as they recreated the image.

Thank you, Jimmy, for your unwavering dedication and for being such an integral part of our journey. Here’s to many more milestones together!

2024 is a year of significant milestones for Oliver Valves and our group of companies. As we celebrate our 45th anniversary this September and Oliver Valvetek’s 30-year milestone later this month, we’re taking a moment to reflect on our journey. From our humble beginnings in a one-car garage, we have grown into a global leader with state-of-the-art manufacturing units in Knutsford and beyond.

Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing a series of posts highlighting key moments from our history, showcasing the innovation and dedication that have driven our success. From the development of groundbreaking valve technologies to the expansion into international markets, these posts will feature archival images and stories that chart our evolution over the past five decades.

Join us in celebrating our heritage and looking forward to a future of continued growth and innovation. Stay tuned for a journey through our remarkable history, starting with our founding years in the late 1970s.