Blackhall Engineer Wins Award

Post graduate design engineer, Richard Saul, who works for specialist valve design firm Blackhall Engineering based in Brighouse, W. Yorks, has recently won a top national award from NOF Energy, for ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ to the energy industry in 2007.

Shortly after joining Blackhall Engineering in July 2007, following his graduation from the local University of Huddersfield, Richard was immediately bought in to the acquisition team for assessing the potential takeover of local valve manufacturing company, Taylorshaw. Having worked there for 12 months as part of his degree, Richard was ideally placed to provide information. During his time at Taylorshaw, Richard experienced a broad cross section of the company including the drawing office, sales

and shop floor, as well as assisting in the planning and moving of the offices and machine shop from the Shaw Valves Lockwood site to the Taylor Valves Milnsbridge facility.

Managing Director James Blackhall said "Richard’s insight into the firm’s profitability, systems and personnel proved invaluable at a time when information was not forthcoming and eventually led to our successful offer which saved many local jobs and a world renowned company". The judges cited Richard’s enthusiasm for the industry as one of the key reasons for him standing out over and above the other entrants as well as his impressive assistance in the team organising the extraction of the firm from the old Milnsbridge site to a modern facility in Huddersfield.

The award has won Richard an all expenses paid trip to Houston, Texas for the 2008 OCT energy conference and capped off a record year for Blackhall Engineering. James later said "We are now expecting great things of Richard but I would like to take the time to say thank you to all staff at both companies for the extra effort they have made during 2007 and I hope for more success in 2008".

Published in Valve User Magazine Issue 5