Dr Michael R Oliver OBE DL, Chairman of Knutsford-based Oliver Valves Ltd, a company making ultra-high pressure valves for the oil and gas sector and also for hydrogen and carbon capture applications.
The business was established in 1979 in Michael’s one-car garage at his home in Hale. The original valve that he designed is still in production today with over five million examples world-wide having been delivered. The company produces over 8000 different types of valve.
Dr Oliver’s company employs 350 people in Knutsford and has offices in has offices in Kuala Lumpur, Dubai and Houston Texas.
The company’s clients are all the major energy companies world-wide, including Shell, BP, Exxon and Chevron.
Michael was awarded the Order of the British Empire by the Queen at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace in 2012. He has also been a Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire since 2011 and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering for his services to Engineering in Cheshire by the University of Chester in 2013.
Michael and his wife Jennifer, support numerous charities, including East Cheshire Hospice and the Hospice at Home Scheme.
