NFPA Mexico The NFPA Mexico Fire Expo 2011 was held April 12th through April 14th at Centro Banamex in Mexico City, Mexico. The Expo was combined with Expo Seguridad Mexico, Mexico Safety Expo, and Facilities Mexico to create a unique “mega-show” that provided an all encompassing event for building owners, managers, designers and engineering and operations executives. Over 450 exhibitors demonstrated their latest products, services, and technologies for protecting property and managing a safe and successful building, plant, campus or complex.

The Expo was a great success for Tank Connection and their regional fire protection dealer, Grupo SACA. In fact, the Expo generated more than 120 leads and allowed TC / SACA to network with executives throughout Mexico. The TC product line certainly generated a “buzz” as owners, designers, and engineers searched for new alternatives to the traditional API-12B storage tank. Everyone who visited the booth agreed that TC’s RTP bolted steel tank is superior to all other suppliers in the Mexico marketplace.

Tank Connection is pleased to announce the addition of FSRC Tanks, Inc. to the amazing group of representatives around the world. F.S.R.C. (Farmer’s Service Repair Company) Tanks, Inc. is the official National Ag Dealer for Tank Connection. F.S.R.C. Tanks has over 15 employees dedicated to supplying storage tanks to the agricultural market. Previously a glass lined tank dealer for A.O. Smith, Ron Feucht, F.S.R.C. Tank President, founded the company over 30 years ago. Now teamed up with Tank Connection, F.S.R.C. Tanks will provide a superior product line with their many years of experience to supply the Ag industry with the storage solutions they deserve. Please welcome F.S.R.C. Tanks to the Tank Connection team!

Tank Connection has seen our customers wading through the quagmire of red-tape and bureaucracy in trying to obtain permitting. It’s not only that code enforcement has become more stringent but with the tough employment market, many individuals are trying to validate the need for their services. Rest assured Tank Connection has greatly assisted our customers in the permitting process. We have access to PE stamps in all 50 States, plus we don’t play any games with our designs. They follow the applicable design codes to the letter which eases the pain of the permitting process.

In-depth knowledge of these codes is what aids our design process. Tank Connection continues to expand itself in the market place with committee participation in national design codes. For 9 years I was a committee member on NFPA 68’s deflagration (explosion) venting. Currently Tim Hopper, PE and myself take part in the AWWA committee meetings. And recently I began participation on the ASME SBS (Structures for Bulk Solids) committee. There is no all encompassing dry bulk storage tank design code. ASME SBS is being developed as the first. Now, don’t be alarmed that this code is being drafted under ASME. The SBS code will apply to atmospheric storage tanks up to 15 psi. The publishing is still a couple of years off but having Tank Connection’s vast engineering experience, knowledge and background will be instrumental in leading the way in dry bulk designs in the market place.

Accomplishment
The word “accomplishment” has a positive ring to it. It is a ring of victory that we all like to hear. At my last writing, Tank Connection personnel were working together toward the completion of our ISO certification. Admittedly, I chose an aggressive schedule for our ISO implementation efforts. To many people it seemed like it was almost wishful thinking. However, if we remain focused on a common goal, we can accomplish great things together. I want to thank all personnel from hourly to executive and everyone in between for the cooperation and support that has made this success possible. Without that cooperation and determination we would not be savoring these accomplishments. The bottom line here is that this newsletter provides me a platform to announce the successful completion of Tank Connection’s ISO 9001-2008 certification efforts. I want to extend my congratulations to all of the personnel involved in making this accomplishment possible as we work together to take Tank Connection to the next level.  We did it!

The Journey
We have all heard it said that life is a journey, not a destination.  In much the same way, continuous improvement is a journey which we are just beginning in earnest. Some may wonder why it is such a “big deal”. The answer is simple; our goal of “Relentless Continuous Improvement” is designed to yield benefits for all of our customers by improving every aspect of the way we serve them. The pursuit of continuous improvement impacts all of our business operations, and is growing in scope and impact throughout our business systems. Obviously, the latest improvement that we are enjoying is the recent success of the ISO 9001-2008 implementation. It is easy to see that this is an exciting time for us, but this is only the beginning of the journey.  We have a long way to go as we improve all of our business operations, and this is an adventure that we all should embrace and enjoy. Our enthusiasm for improvements must continue and grow. That enthusiasm is a powerful catalyst that will help us to stay on the cutting edge of our industry.  Finally, the future is bright for Tank Connection personnel and their families because they strive to provide our customers the best service and the highest quality available in the industries we serve. Our new ISO Quality Policy says it best: “Tank Connection personnel are committed to the relentless pursuit of continuous improvement in all of our business operations to fulfill the needs of our customers.” Enjoy the journey!

Matt Hamilton, Tank Connection Corporate Quality Assurance Manager