MAJOR Knutsford company Oliver Valvetek is creating new factory and office buildings to cater for ambitious expansion plans.

The steel framework has been created for the new factories at the Parkgate Industrial Estate, which will take the number owned by the company on the estate from eight to 11.

The factories are being created by the global industries valve manufacturer on units covering almost 17,400 square feet bought by the company, and are set for completion by September.

The purchase further extends the company’s significant presence in the wider Parkgate Industrial Estate, and the company will use its new factories to expand its instrumentation, subsea and pipeline valves product range.

Oliver Valvetek chairman, Dr Michael Oliver, said: “We have been present on Parkgate Industrial Estate for more than 40 years, and Novus provided the perfect opportunity for us to buy a Grade A industrial facility and ensure our long-term growth plans were catered for.

"We look forward to seeing the development progress over the next few months.”

Knutsford Guardian:

Michael Oliver with Fred Dibnah's steam engine

Work on the new factories began on February 10 in the midst of Storm Ciara, and a crane was brought in a few days after the storm had passed to lift the steel framework into place.

A company spokesman said: "The valve manufacturer currently owns eight buildings on the Parkgate Industrial Estate, and with the expansion of three more spacious factories and offices the global business doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

"With the roof and wall cladding to follow shortly after completion of the framework, the completion date of September this year will be easily achieved.

"After the events of Storm Ciara, the steel framework for the new factory and office buildings is finally visible and it is beginning to feel very real."