STI/SPFA recently spoke with Bob Giammaruti, CEO at Southern Heat Exchanger Corporation and Worldwide Air Coolers LLC, about his career in the steel fabrication industry.
Chemical Process Heat Exchanger
STI/SPFA: Tell us about the history of your company.
Bob Giammaruti: Since 1961, Southern Heat Exchanger Corporation and Worldwide Air Coolers LLC, are a team of 200 professionals who design and manufacture custom shell and tube and air-cooled heat exchangers for the oil, gas, chemical, agriculture, renewable and power generation industries. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, safe, and reliable solutions that meet our customers’ needs and exceed their expectations. We are also committed to fostering a culture of safety, innovation, excellence, and customer service within our organization.
Over the past 60+ years, Southern Heat Exchanger Corporation and Worldwide Air Coolers LLC has grown into one of the largest and most respected manufacturers of heat transfer equipment, with a reputation for high quality products, delivered on time with outstanding customer service.
STI/SPFA: How did you get your start in the industry?
Giammaruti: I started my career out of graduate school as a research engineering for the Babcock and Wilcox Company in Ohio in 1991. After five years, I took a transfer to Houston Texas to work for Hudson Products Corporation as their Technology Coordinator. I held several positions over the 19 years there with my last being the VP&GM of their Air Cooled Heat Exchanger division.
In 2015 I was recruited to be the CEO of Southern Heat Exchanger Corporation where I am presently.
Process Chemical Cooler
STI/SPFA: What do you like best about working in the industry?
Giammaruti: Every day is a learning experience and an opportunity to grow as a professional. Given we design and manufacture bespoke equipment for some of the most demanding customers and applications in the world, our team and I are challenged every day to meet and exceed their expectations.
STI/SPFA: What has been the greatest challenge in your career?
Giammaruti: Guiding the business thru COVID, by far.
STI/SPFA: What advice would you give someone who is interested in working in the industry?
Giammaruti: To keep an open mind about our industry. While it is not flashy as compared to the technology and finance worlds, our industry makes a real difference in people’s lives helping provide them the energy and goods they use each and every day without giving it a second thought.
Specialty Chemical Process Exchanger
STI/SPFA: What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing the industry in the next three to five years?
Giammaruti: To hire, train and retain people for the trades, especially welders, fitters and machinists.
STI/SPFA: How has STI/SPFA Membership helped you and your company succeed and grow in today’s marketplace?
Giammaruti: I can see tremendous value in the technical resources available to my team.
