STI/SPFA recently spoke with David Kapla, President at Greer Tank LLC, about his career in the steel fabrication industry.
STI/SPFA: Tell us about the history of your company.
David Kapla: The story of Greer Tank began in 1952 in a one-car garage in Fairbanks, Alaska. At the time, Glenn Greer recognized the need in his community for consistently built, quality steel fuel storage tanks. Using a small set of plate rolls to bend the steel, Greer began making 100-, 200- and 300-gallon tanks.
In the following 2 decades, Greer built a shop suited for welding tanks and earned a license to build UL listed tanks and ASME Pressure Vessels.
When Glenn sadly passed away in 1968, his wife Ruth stepped in and took over running the company.
In 1972, Greer expanded to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, to meet a growing a demand. Still, the geography in the state of Alaska, and lack of roads meant Greer couldn’t reach Alaska’s southeast coastal region.
In 1983, Greer expanded the Fairbanks facility.
In 1995, Greer opened a facility in the Port of Tacoma, Washington. To better reach the west coast and southeast Alaska regions.
In 1998 Greer moved the port of Tacoma facility to a new facility in Lakewood Washington. This location was expanded in 2008 and 2014.
In 2007 Greer started Polyethylene tank production at the Fairbanks Alaska location.
In 2011 and 2015 the Poly tank production facility was expanded.
In 2014 Greer purchased “Anchorage Tank” increasing capacity in that market.
In 2025 Greer purchased “The Welding Shop” in Fox Alaska.
In 2025 Greer opened a new location in Pasco, Washington.
Today, Greer Tank LLC is recognized as one of the premier tank and structural fabricators in the nation. Our products can be seen all over the globe. From Alaska to the “Lower 48” to Greenland, Guam, Hawaii, Japan and more.
A FIREGUARD® double-wall steel tank outside of Greer Tank.
STI/SPFA: How did you get your start in the industry?
Kapla: I got started purely out of circumstance. I entered the Army in the 80’s and was stationed at Ft. Wainwright Alaska (Fairbanks). After my exit from service, I held a few other jobs before getting a call from a friend at Greer needing some help with management of a large project.
I started with Greer in the spring of 1998. I worked in just about every position within the company over the next couple of decades. From pushing a broom on the shop floor, to inventory management, to IT management, to sales. Then in 2009 the company moved us to Washington state, where I became the GM of the Lakewood facility. In 2024 I was promoted to my current role.
STI/SPFA: What do you like best about working in the industry?
Kapla: What I enjoy most about this industry is the opportunity to solve problems and build things that matter. Every project presents new challenges, and no two jobs are exactly the same. I’ve also been inspired by Ruth Greer, whose determination to carry the company forward after the passing of her husband is a powerful reminder of the resilience and commitment that built this business.
STI/SPFA: What has been the greatest challenge in your career?
Kapla: The greatest challenge of my career has been learning to shift from managing day-to-day operations to leading at a broader, strategic level. As responsibilities grew, I had to learn to trust others, delegate effectively, and focus more on long-term direction rather than daily problem-solving. That transition was not easy, but it has made me a better leader and helped position the company for continued growth.
STI/SPFA: What advice would you give someone who is interested in working in the industry?
Kapla: I know times have changed, but it is still OK — in fact the better path, I believe — to start at the bottom and work your way up. There is so much to learn in this industry by working through every aspect of it. Accept the challenge, work through the hard times and it will pay off. Our industry plays a huge part in environmental protection, commerce, and infrastructure.
40,000 gallon FIREGUARD® tank manufactured by Greer Tank’s Lakewood facility (Greer Steel). It is for back up generator fuel for a new state of the art “turn key” hospital project for St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale, Washington. The tank and generator system can keep the hospital 100% operational for at least 96-hours/4-days without refueling.
STI/SPFA: What do you think will be the biggest challenge facing the industry in the next three to five years?
Kapla: The biggest challenges facing our industry over the next three to five years will be workforce development, regulatory complexity, and cost volatility. Finding and retaining skilled labor continues to be difficult, while regulatory requirements and environmental standards are becoming more complex. At the same time, fluctuations in steel pricing, freight costs, and supply chains add pressure to project planning and margins.
Companies that invest in people, training, safety, and operational efficiency will be best positioned to succeed in this evolving environment.
STI/SPFA: How has STI/SPFA Membership helped you and your company succeed and grow in today’s marketplace?
Kapla: STI/SPFA membership has been extremely valuable to Greer Tank. It provides access to industry standards, technical resources, and regulatory guidance that help ensure our products meet the highest levels of safety and quality. Just as important, the association creates opportunities to collaborate with peers, stay ahead of industry changes, and remain engaged in shaping the future of the tank and steel fabrication industry. That connection helps us continuously improve and better serve our customers.
