During his participation in NISTM 2025, Peter White, CEO of PAT Tank Inc., shared key details in an interview about the company's operational approach, its full-service model, and the current challenges facing the industrial tank maintenance industry.
With more than 80 years of experience, PAT Tank is a privately held company based in Port Arthur, Texas, that has been managed by five generations of the same family. Specializing in the construction, repair, and maintenance of industrial tanks, the company defines itself as a turnkey solution provider, offering its customers a complete service, from manufacturing to the final coating of the tank.
Among the services they offer are:
Although they do not perform tank inspections or cleaning, they cover all other critical stages of the process, allowing them to operate as a full-service organization.
In addition to its base in Port Arthur, PAT Tank has an operational presence in other states such as Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah, and Montana, with much of its activity concentrated on the Gulf Coast.
When asked about the main challenges facing the sector, Peter White did not hesitate: technical staff management remains the most complex aspect. Although the company has a workforce available, coordinating their training, positioning on site, and retention is becoming increasingly challenging.
Finding good people is the first step. The second is to retain them and train them so they can grow within the organization,
White explained.
In this regard, PAT Tank is committed to an internal development model: workers start in basic positions and advance to become superintendents or project managers. This approach has paid off: many of its site managers have been with the company for more than 15 years, and several project managers have been with the company for more than 25 years. This stability has been key to sustaining long-term relationships of trust with its customers.
PAT Tank's commitment to quality and safety is clear. Under a zero-tolerance policy, the company ensures that every operation, no matter how routine it may seem, meets the highest standards. The internal quality unit is responsible for closely monitoring regulatory developments, especially those related to the environment, and ensuring that all staff are up to date.
White emphasizes that industrial tank maintenance is a constantly changing field, and that keeping up with regulatory requirements is an ongoing responsibility. This work is led by the company's quality department, which is responsible for translating regulations into clear operating practices for its teams.
One of the least visible but most relevant aspects of PAT Tank's approach is its model of continuous improvement. According to White, after each project, internal meetings are held to review both successes and mistakes.
During these meetings, they analyze whether the budget was estimated correctly, whether the right crews were assigned, and whether the weather affected the timelines.
We often learn more from jobs that had problems than from those that went perfectly.
Beyond the technical aspects, Peter White emphasizes that PAT Tank's key difference lies in the way they relate to their customers. More than just a supplier, they seek to become strategic partners, with direct communication and transparency throughout the execution of projects.
The reason we have been in this business for eighty years is that our customers trust us. It's not just about fulfilling a contract, but about creating lasting relationships.
For more content about NISTM 2025, please visit our LinkedIn profile.
Source: Inspenet.
