In 1968, Spence and Betty Van Alsburg founded Prairie Tank to design, fabricate and construct industrial and municipal tanks, as well as other plate structures. From 1968 to 1984, Prairie Tank actively built and repaired field erected tanks around the continental United States.
Due to economic and union issues affecting Prairie Tank, Spence and Betty established Advance Tank in 1982 as a non-union company. They sent Scott, their oldest son, to Colorado to sell tank work in the West.
1982 Steel Tank of the Year
All in the Family
Advance Tank is still family-owned and operated. All five of Spence’s children have worked for the company over the years. Today, two of them are actively involved in day-to-day operations. Jim Clay, our current president is Spence’s son-in-law and husband to Lisa. Lisa Clay is chairman of the board, CFO, and legal counsel; and Geoff Van Alsburg serves as a Project Manager. In 2008, eldest grandson Matt Van Alsburg joined the company, making us three generations deep. Matt is now our sales manager.
Over the last 47 years, Advance Tank has fabricated and erected thousands of tanks, but in the end, we feel that our greatest accomplishment as a company is our family and our employees. We are very proud to say that we have performed three successful presidential/ownership transitions, all within the family. Throughout these transitions, our employees have been with us every step of the way.
Supporting STI/SPFA
Advance Tank was also honored over the years to have Spence Van Alsburg serve as President of SPFA. Scott Van Alsburg and Jim Clay both served as a members of the board of directors. Scott and Jim also both actively participated in the tank committee and Scott served as chairman for the tank committee.
Advance Tank and Construction Company, along with our wholly owned subsidiary Prairie Tank, began our relationship with STI/SPFA in the 1970’s. We congratulate STI/SPFA on their 100th anniversary, and wish them the best as they continue to work for us and our fellow member companies.
