Oliver Valves lands record order
HIGH performance manufacturer Oliver Valves is celebrating winning its largest-ever order.
The privately-owned Knutsford company has secured a £7.2m deal to supply two projects for Brazil’s leading oil and gas firm.
The contract is for delivery of 391 valves, ranging in size from 2” to 12” in diameter. Delivery of the first units has already begun and the project is due to be completed by September 2012.
The valves will be used on two Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels operating of the coast of Rio de Janeiro.
David Cornwell, managing director of Oliver Valves, said: “This is a landmark contract for the business as it is not only the biggest we have ever secured but it also represents a major success in an international market that is relatively new to us.
“Just five years ago, Brazil was hardly even on our radar in terms of sales, but this year it will generate more revenue for the business than any other territory.”
He said Oliver’s technical ability rather than cost, has won it the contract.
“We undertook nine months of specification work before securing the project and we committed the time up front to ensure we would be delivering the best possible solution.
“This approach has clearly paid off and this demonstrates that it is possible for British manufacturers to compete internationally by outperforming others in terms of quality, if not always on price.”
The Brazil contract is the latest of a number of international wins this year. Others include a £1m order to supply subsea valves for a project in the Gulf of Mexico, an in-related £800,000 order from a major Brazilian oil firm and Oliver’s first subsea contract in Chinese waters – worth £400,000.
