A KNUTSFORD business owner has been named as one of the manufacturing sector's most inspirational figures for 2015.

Michael Oliver, chairman and founder of Oliver Valves located on Parkgate Industrial Estate, has been listed in this year's 'The Manufacturer' top 100.

The 2015 list, unveiled at an awards ceremony at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery on November 25, identifies the sector’s most dynamic leaders and innovators to help inspire others.

After founding the business in his family garage in 1979, Michael has led the company to become the largest privately-owned valve manufacturer in Europe.

The company employs more than 250 people across 10 offices internationally and supplies valves to many of the world’s biggest energy firms.

“It’s an honour to be named among such an illustrious list of names, and while it serves as a reminder of the significant achievements the company has made it is also testament to our employees’ ongoing loyalty and commitment”, said Michael.

“Like many of my peers, we’re proud to fly the flag for the UK manufacturing sector, and our continued exporting success is evidence of the esteem in which British engineering expertise is held across the globe”, he continued.

“Manufacturing is a crucial sector for the UK economy, not only in terms of creating wealth, but in employment through exports.”

The company has a back catalogue of prestigious awards having been previously recognised by the National Business Awards, the Growing Business Awards, Manchester Evening News Business of the Year awards, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and The Sunday Times Profit Track.

Oliver Valves manufactures products for the global energy market, selling a catalogue of over 8,000 items in 80 countries across North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa and China.