C.J. Hineman
STI/SPFA recently spoke with Charles Hineman, Vice President at Fisher Tank Company, about his career in the steel fabrication industry.
STI/SPFA: Tell us about the history of your company.
Charles Hineman: “Safety, Quality, Productivity…And In That Order.”
Fisher Tank was founded by Joseph B. Fisher and Robert M. Borst (past president of SPFA and lifetime member) in 1948 in Trainer, Pa. The company primarily focused on a large backlog of tank repairs in the Northeast part of the country, created by the limited amount of resources available during WWII. The company continued to grow steadily, adding equipment, personnel, and capabilities.
In 1997, Fisher Tank and the employees formed an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), when Robert Borst sold the majority of his shares to the employees of Fisher Tank. In 2008, the ESOP purchased all outstanding shares, and Fisher became a 100% employee-owned company.
Today, the Fisher Tank Company is a leading, full-service, welded-steel tank fabricator and constructor with unmatched expertise working in a wide range of industries, including: terminals and pipelines, power, municipal water storage, water and waste treatment, oil and gas, pulp and paper, chemical, fire protection, fueling, ethanol and bio diesel, industrial, and mining sectors. We have offices in Chester, Pa, Leesville, S.C., and Atascadero, Calif. We have two fabrication plants – the original one in Chester, Pa. and one in Leesville, S.C.
STI/SPFA: How did you get your start in the industry?
Hineman: I was in my senior year at Millersville University in Millersville, Pa., studying for a BA in Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH). The OSEH program requires all students to complete a semester internship program. In 2006, I came on board to Fisher Tank, working out of the South Carolina office, to complete a temporary 3-month long internship.
Stainless steel 17’6″x31’3″ self-supporting cone roof tank built for Horse Soldier Bourbon in Somerset, Ky. Horse Soldier Bourbon was founded by retired members of the 5th Special Forces Group, the “Horse Soldiers”, who were among the first to enter Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Horse Soldiers’ experience in Afghanistan was told in the movie 12 Strong. In addition to tank erection, Fisher Tank also used field paint crews to glass bead blast the tank as well as clean and passivate the stainless steel.
STI/SPFA: What do you like best about working in the industry?
Hineman: Fisher Tank and others in this industry provide a service that is so critical to infrastructures, society, and really our way of life. Most people don’t get to see those “behind the scenes” processes that allow water at the tap, fuel in your car, or even whiskey in your glass!
Each day is different, with new challenges, which is really engaging and rewarding.
STI/SPFA: Who has inspired your career?
Hineman: I’m going to say “moments,” and those have been the numerous safety dinners, fellowship, and moments where we were able to recognize and celebrate a safety milestone and successful project.
STI/SPFA: What advice would you give someone who is interested in working in the industry?
Hineman: Research the company, make sure leadership believes in safety and has a positive culture. There are no short cuts, so start where you can. Take advantage of learning opportunities and ask a lot of questions.
STI/SPFA: What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing the industry in the next three to five years?
Hineman: A lot of the workforce is retiring and there is a lack of new people coming into the welder/fabrication trade. Losing that knowledge and leadership, not fully transferring it down to the next generation.
STI/SPFA: How has STI/SPFA Membership helped you and your company succeed and grow in today’s marketplace?
Hineman: I have met a lot of great people who have helped me with very specific issues to our industry. The STI/SPFA Annual Meeting provides valuable speakers and connections with vendors.
I’m involved in several of the committees, specifically safety, which has been very beneficial and educational.
