Since 1965, Pacific Valve Services Inc. (PVS) has provided expertise in valve service, supply and maintenance for projects of all sizes and types. PVS is the exclusive distributor for CNV valves and a fully certified OEM repair shop for several makes and models of API 6A/6D equipment. The company also specializes in API 6A/6D type gate valves, chokes, mud valves, kellycocks, safety valves and the design and manufacture of choke and kill manifold systems. PVS has an extensive inventory of new and reconditioned valves and replacement parts for all major manufactured valves, along with fully equipped 24-hour mobile service pressure testing units.
President Ravi Mani joined in 2003.
“PVS was launched by brothers Don and Gib Thompson. They started the company as Pacific Oilfield Equipment,” shares Mani of the company’s innovative beginnings. “At that time, there were not many field service repair rigs on sites. Both brothers had noticed that once a rig job was finished, the equipment would be sent away, usually to Edmonton. Seeing a need in the industry, they decided to start something unique.”
The Thompson brothers ran the company until they sold it to John Boyko and his business partners. From there Boyko and (silent) partners took over the company. As the succession of owners took place, the name changed to what it is today.
“I was trained by Boyko,” says Mani. “The culture he built in the company was great. We would socialize outside of work hours and would talk about many important things. We would discuss our philosophy, how we thought about people and more. Our values aligned. I became a shareholder in 2012 and worked my way up from Q/A purchasing manager to general manager, to president.”
PVS continued to grow rapidly with leaders like Doug Brown, operations manager (retired) and Clancy Innes, field service supervisor and their valued team members.
Loyalty remains a core value for Mani. Although Boyko has long since retired, Mani visits him regularly and keeps him informed of PVS’ progress.
“The relationship between Boyko and the employees was a foundational one and he continues to be an active advisor to PVS,” says Mani. “Everyone here is family. Nobody is just an employee. We invest in our team and that is why the majority of them are long-term with between 20-50 years of service.”
As the industry changed over the years, PVS changed with it, teaming up with Alberta Innovates on designing and manufacturing on RCD equipment for customers, launching in-house NDT services and providing hydro testing on all oilfield related equipment.
“PVS stands behind the value we provide. Quality, innovation and service ensure repeat customers and consistent growth based on our reputation alone,” says Mani.
Another aspect of PVS’ success is how they blend both imports and in-house design. PVS has worked with China since 1997 to bring in valve products while also working on in-house proprietary designs. Today PVS’ own designs are shipped and sold internationally. Recently, PVS has expanded to work with Aqua Valves PVT in India, collaborating on a specially designed valve that will soon make a debut in the North American market.
“We are not overly affected by the global situation,” Mani points out when asked about tariffs and trade wars. “This is because the roots of the company include a mandate for diversification. We know we can never rely on just one major customer or one major product. Drilling, wellhead, thermal – we are into everything. If it’s a valve or valve component, we are into it. This, along with our longstanding partnerships and excellent reputation, allows us to weather economic and political storms.”
It even helped them weather COVID. Although affected and, like so many other companies, PVS sent the team out of the office in compliance with isolation policies, Mani remained in the office to run administration, bookkeeping and shipping.
“It was crazy!” he admits. “However, the important part is, we didn’t have any major layoffs and we retained our core employees during those tough times.”
Currently, Mani is looking to hire more like-minded employees as PVS continues to grow.
“The quality of our work and our service is what makes PVS #1,” Mani says with pride. “Any product that leaves our door has our attention at 110 per cent. The value we give you as a customer is outstanding, from the products to certification – and beyond.”
“That value,” he continues, “extends to our team. We launch careers and provide excellent benefits. We care for our employees with long-term coverage that can extend into retirement. We invest in our team; they invest in us.”
As he thinks back on his start with PVS and his responsibilities to clients, employees and the industry as a whole, Mani couldn’t be more pleased with how it all came together.
“I don’t think of PVS as a workplace. This is my home. When I am at home, I take care of my family. When I am here, I take care of the team. I guide them, but I know I can trust them to do their own work and to be innovative and engaged. I am inspired by the depth of experience across the departments. I enjoy seeing the team growing, learning, having fun and enjoying their careers together. The most rewarding part for me is seeing the team succeed and benefiting from PVS’ profit-sharing model.”
The focus on service for customers and employees is reflected in the community.
“We donate to Christmas Bureau of Edmonton annually on behalf of our employees,” Mani explains. “We have enjoyed helping other organizations, largely ones centred around helping to lift people from poverty.”
Mani would like to thank Boyko and Brown. He says Brown was instrumental in helping him learn the technical side of things and also functioned as a mentor.
“I also want to thank the team! This team is incredible! Everyone here, the core group, they work so well together and take so much pressure off management. Day to day, they get so much done. That is noticed and very much appreciated.”
The future sees continued growth at a pace that allows PVS to retain the values that have always set them apart in the field.
“Growth, diversification, community giving,” he sums it up. “We are not just sales. We are not just a place for repairs. We give it our all, we are passionate about what we do, and it shows.”
9750 – 62 Ave.
Edmonton, AB. T6E 0E3
Phone: (780) 463-3972
Fax: (780) 466-0492
info@pacificvalve.com
