Monthly Archive for February, 2011

(Desk of Matt Hamilton – QC Manager)

Introduction: As I write this update, the Quality Department has already started out on our goal of securing the ISO 9001:2008 certificate. The ISO efforts affect every area of our business, so as you might imagine everyone’s cooperation is very much appreciated. There is a lot of activity to support this from all over TC, and I appreciate the cooperative tone that everyone has. As I mentioned in my last newsletter, “Continuous improvement is the heartbeat of today’s successful business, and it begins to take on a dynamic all its own as one thing leads to another.” I am very pleased to be able to say that I see that dynamic taking shape all over Tank Connection. As we develop and mature the Quality system, we have already begun to reap the benefits of the improvements we have worked so tirelessly to implement, and those improvements will continue to gain momentum throughout 2011.

Measurement: A simple definition of measurement would be that it is the process or the result of determining the range or scope of a quantity or an amount relative to a unit of measurement such as quantity, dollars or time. We may not give it much thought, but we gauge everything in our lives by some kind of measurement. We are comfortable with years, hours, minutes, speed limits, dollars, pints, quarts, gallons, or weight. The familiar concept of determining how large or small something is changes somewhat when you approach it from the perspective of a business, but it is still basically the same. The challenge is how is it possible to define conditions such as poor, adequate, acceptable or excellent? The answer is very straightforward. Define what is expected, and then set an objective to communicate the expectation. One of the essential elements of the ISO certification is the measurement of performance against benchmarks that are set by executive management. Objectives set the tone and define the expectation for the business system. This information allows management the opportunity to address performance (good or bad) and provides management the tools necessary to form an effective response that is both prompt and effective.

Completion: By the time this is released, it is likely that TC will have had our first audit by our ISO Registrar. Any issues identified will either be in the process of being addressed, or will have been addressed and we will continue toward the final implementation. The dynamics (or benefits) of our “Continuous Improvement” model will gain momentum once we have achieved the ISO certification for Tank Connection, and we will continue to improve our business system. The successful completion of the ISO certification process for TC is the beginning of the journey that will allow TC to grow stronger, and to compete even more effectively in markets we serve. Our planned time frame for completion of the initial ISO 9001:2008 certification is April of 2011 and that is right around the corner!

To say that 2010 ended with a flourish would be a huge understatement! Wow, the activity level is simply amazing and there appears to be no end in sight as January has picked up right where 2010 ended. As the only global supplier that actually manufactures bolted, field weld, shop weld, and hybrid construction, the TCAG is uniquely positioned in markets our competitors may only dream about. Our ever-growing backlog is testament to the fact that our message is resonating in the marketplace with our clients, and we will continue to set the standard for what a quality storage system should entail. Our sales team is refreshed and ready to usher in a banner year for 2011 so please be prepared for bigger and better things from the TCAG, and always let us know how we can be better! When you combine the best storage containment products produced anywhere with the industries best and most experienced talent, you have THE winning equation – you have TCAG!

XL Wastewater tanks by TC are setting a new level of performance in liquid storage applications.

Bolted RTP Standpipes by TC coated with LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE™ are the highest performance and most economical gravity pressure potable water storage tanks on the face of the planet. Installed entirely from grade level, utilizing a specialized jacking process at any location worldwide.

Bolted RTP Stainless Steel liquid storage tanks are avail- able for special liquid applications. The RTP design is the #1 bolted tank design selected worldwide.

The IFAT show in Munich Germany is prominently recognized as one of the top liquid trade shows in the World. The Tank Connection booth was popular and frequented by clients worldwide expressing high dissatisfaction with “glass” coated tanks. The level of dissatisfaction even caught us by surprise. TC’s international marketing director summed it up in a blog release that follows:

As 2010 comes to a close we reflect upon the exciting and varied opportunities presented to us. September was particularly memorable based on our participation at the IFAT Entsorga Exhibition in Munich, Germany, from September 13th through 17th. The show was well attended with numerous exhibitors and purposeful visitors, many of whom were eager to discuss their experiences with bulk storage tanks and corresponding performance observations. We spoke with several individuals representing a wide cross-section of industry professionals, from water treatment plant operators, to process engineers, to large-scale contractors.

An increasing awareness is emerging in the marketplace relative to traditional materials and advancements in technology which are redefining customer expectations. The majority of clients who previously purchased glass- lined tanks reported significant shortcomings in product performance. These issues included spalling, chipping, and cracking of the coatings primarily in key areas surrounding bolt holes and panel seams. Poor corrosion resistance was commonly identified in conjunction with these conditions, attributed to the compromised integrity of the coating allowing contact between the stored product and the metal substrate. Anaerobic digesters and aggressive liquid compositions were noted to accelerate this degradation, to the point of failure in a few instances.

Companies seeking an alternative to traditional glass-lined tanks quickly turned their attention to next generation in coating developments – LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE as offered by Tank Connection. This revolutionary powder-on-powder coating system is gaining due recognition in the industry since its introduction a few years ago. Developed exclusively for Tank Connection by Akzo Nobel, the world’s leading coatings expert, LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE was formulated specifically for the demanding conditions of today’s liquid storage market. The electrostatic application process completely envelops thesteel panel, thereby ensuring coverage of all surfaces. LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE offers forty times the impact resistance of glass coatings, eliminating spalling/ cracking issues, and providing the ability to be repaired in the field, if required.

We were extremely pleased with the overwhelming response we received at IFAT, and we look forward to returning as Tank Connection continues to develop innovative products that define the future of the industry.