During his participation in the 27th Annual International Aboveground Storage Tank Conference & Trade Show (NISTM 2025), Joseph Painter, vice president of Smith Tank & Steel, shared in an interview the achievements, challenges and strategic priorities of the company, one of the leaders in the construction industry of aboveground storage tank aboveground storage tank construction industry in the United States.
Smith Tank & Steel at NISTM 2025
Founded in 1997, Smith Tank & Steel has experienced remarkable growth. It currently has 45 field crews and more than 600 employees, consolidating its position as a key company in the sector, with operations focused mainly in the United States and some international projects in destinations such as the Bahamas.
The company manufactures tanks at its own facilities in Gonzales, Louisiana and collaborates with several strategic partners in areas such as Houston and Oklahoma. This production network allows them to maintain high quality standards and responsiveness to customer demand.
Safety and sustainability as fundamental pillars
One of the pillars of Smith Tank & Steel is its unwavering commitment to workplace safety. Painter highlighted the internal “Brothers Keeper” program, which gives each employee the power to stop any activity if he or she detects a potential risk. This initiative seeks not only to prevent incidents, but to foster a culture of shared responsibility throughout the organization.
The company is also distinguished by its sustainable approach to both labor and the environment. With low staff turnover and a strong organizational culture, Smith Tank & Steel is positioned as an attractive employer in the sector. In terms of environmental sustainability, Painter explained that about 90% of its machinery uses diesel, and that they have implemented carbon emissions monitoring measures, especially on their cranes and welding equipment, to minimize environmental impact.
Current challenges and future prospects
Among the most pressing challenges, the vice-president pointed out the difficulties in hiring qualified personnel and the 50-60% increase in the cost of materials since last October, partly due to trade tariffs. Nevertheless, the company is optimistic about the second half of the year, hoping for a stabilization of the market and an increase in productivity.
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Source and photo: Inspenet
