Oliver Valves invests in distribution hub

AWARD-winning North West manufacturer Oliver Valves has completed its investment in the future with the completion of a 5,000sq ft distribution centre at its Knutsford base.

The family-owned firm, which is in the midst of an export boom, has invested £750,000 in the new facility to to streamline its logistics.

Oliver Valves, which supplies safety valves to the oli and gas sector globally, ships more than 300,000 valves per year to customers and storing products in preparation for distribution or collection had become a significant challenge.

The investment comes on the back of record results for the family-owned firm which had sales of £65.5m for the year ended September 30 2012. Oliver is now targeting turnover of £100m within the next 12 to 18 months.

Operations director Colm Kane said: “The investment will take all logistical concerns away from our production teams – allowing them to focus on what they do best – and also free up vital operational space across our three businesses which had previously been used for temporary storage.

“This space can now be re-purposed for additional manufacturing capacity, which will be essential as we continue to expand.

“This is a significant step in the on-going development of the Oliver Valves family of companies, and we are confident it will lead to a substantial increase in productivity and efficiency.”

Oliver Valves was launched by inventor Michael Oliver in 1979 based in the garage of his Hale home.