Shaffer (company)

Shaffer is a wholly owned subsidiary of National Oilwell Varco and is involved in the manufacturing and distribution of pressure control devices for the petroleum industry. The company’s products include blowout preventers, control systems, riser string packages, choke valves, riser tensioners, and drill string compensators.

History

The company was founded by William D. Shaffer in 1928 as “Shaffer Tool Works”. In 1968, it was sold to the Rucker Corporation, which became known as Rucker Shaffer. It was again sold in 1978 to NL industries, which became known as NL Shaffer. In 1979, NL Shaffer purchased Koomey Control Systems in order to offer a more complete line of products. In 1992, NL Shaffer joined with Varco, which merged with National Oilwell to become National Oilwell Varco in 2005.

Notable Firsts

Developed the first subsea well completion system in the mid 1950’s for Texaco and Union Oil.

Developed the first spherical blowout preventer in 1972.