Beating the Stock Market:

How RPV went from nothing to a leading international valve stockist in just 20 years

State of the Art: RPV has come a long way in 20 years

State of the Art: RPV has come a long way in 20 years

Large stock levels and high value items remain a key part of RPVs offering to customers

Large stock levels and high value items remain a key part of RPVs offering to customers


Shot blasting at RPVs blasting and coating division

Shot blasting at RPVs blasting and coating division


Suffolk based RPV has one of the largest inventories of any valve stockist in the World. Twenty years ago the company had only just formed, today it stocks over £60m worth of product in 110,000 sq ft of warehousing. In addition to the ¼" to 48" Gate, Globe, Check, Ball & Butterfly valves from manufacturers; Bonney Forge, Della Foglia, Goodwin, Kitz, Shipham, Valvosider and Vanessa, RPV provides comprehensive test and coating services to international clients from the Oil & Gas Sector. QA Director Steven Withers tells Valve User how they did it.

‘There is no secret to RPV’s success. We simply provide the valve you want, when you want it’ says Mr Withers. ‘It’s the ‘when’ that provides the key. We can provide very high specification valves at very short lead-times.’

RPV was formed with the intention of becoming one of the suppliers of high spec., high value valves for the oil and gas industry; back in the early 1990s however the company consisted of a single small warehouse and a one man sales team.

‘The philosophy back then was the same as it is now. RPV provided valves critical to the oil and gas industry on short lead times. Obviously stock levels weren’t the same, but the company relied on the vast industry knowledge of individuals to ensure we could provide the products customers needed’ said Mr Withers.

Holding large levels of high spec stock is key for RPV so that it can work to extremely short lead times for its customers. In addition to the impressive stock levels, RPV’s stock monitoring systems and seven-day-a-week opening hours allow it to meet the needs of even the most demanding customer.

More than a stockist

In 2014 RPV provides a full suite of services aimed at the valve procurer. In 2013 the company made significant extensions to its testing facilities to include cryogenic testing down to a temperature of -196°C. When added to the company’s capability to hydrostatic test and gas test up to 10,000 psi RPV now boast some of the most comprehensive test facilities in the World.

The test facilities are available as a standalone service, but more importantly the facilities contribute to reducing lead times for RPV’s customers. Valves no longer need to leave RPV’s site to be tested, so shipping times are saved; furthermore testing can be viewed via website link from anywhere in the world. The company now have full control over the testing process meaning high priority orders can be expedited.

‘If a customer was to approach us for a 2", class 800lb gate valve for cryogenic service, we’d of course have the base valve in stock, but now we could modify it with a cryogenic extension, clean and degrease, test it to -196°C, carry out PMI inspection and have it ready to ship within the week. Furthermore the work could be CE marked under our PED certification. It is very exciting for us and our customers’ says Steven Withers.

That is not the only expansion at RPV in recent months. The company has further extended its service portfolio by opening a ‘Blasting and Coating Division’ at its Suffolk Headquarters. The facility, which opened in early October, comes complete with 10 tonne lifting capacity and the ability to process over 1,000 valves and associated products per week.

This has been a major investment for the company, in terms of both equipment and expertise. Not only does the company now posses a large bespoke shot blasting unit 6m x 3m in dimension, three dry back spray booths each with their own extraction with a fourth currently underway and a 2 ½ x 2m gas recirculating oven; but they have also invested in 40 years worth of expertise in those who operate the division. Top of the range equipment and experienced staff makes RPV.

Putting the customer first

The common thread for RPV throughout their growth has been meeting customer needs. From day one in 1993 the company has invested heavily in stock levels. This investment, coupled with their level of industry expertise has ensured that customers have always had access to the valves they need, when they need them.

The additions to RPV’s service portfolio are motivated by the same desire to provide the best possible service to customers. By bringing testing and coating services in house, RPV can knock days off lead times. In the oil and gas industry two days saved, can mean huge financial benefits.

Visit www.rpv-group.com for further information about RPV’s services and heritage. Download a copy of the company’s latest stock list, ISO 9001:2008 and PED 97/23/EC certificates.

RP Valves Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)1638 711311
www.rpv-group.com


Published: 6th March 2014

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