Tim O'Toole

A Seat at the Table: Why STI/SPFA Members Need to Be in Washington

The STI/SPFA Legislative Fly-In is next month in the nation’s capital.  It is critical we speak directly to members of Congress about the importance of the steel fabrication industry and…

7 on 7 with Erin Mayer

STI/SPFA recently spoke with Erin Mayer, Vice President of Operations at Freedom Waterworks, about her career in the steel fabrication industry. STI/SPFA: Tell us about the history of your company.…

Tony Ippoliti Reflects on a Career of Commitment and Giving

Tony Ippoliti was inducted into the STI/SPFA Hall of Fame in 2026. We recently spoke with Tony about his journey into the steel fabrication industry, the experiences that shaped his…

Legislative Advocacy Committee Update – April 2026

The STI/SPFA Legislative Advocacy Committee met on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to review ongoing advocacy efforts, legislative developments, and regulatory activity impacting the steel tank, pipe, and pressure vessel industry.…

The Art of Reshoring: A Better Proposal to Balance Trade

The driving force of offshoring has been and is that United States manufacturing costs are 10–50% higher than in almost all competitor countries. Competing industrial economies like China undervalue their…

7 on 7 with Harri Sukhu

STI/SPFA recently spoke with Harri Sukhu, President at Structural Tank Equipment & Maintenance (Canada) Ltd. (STEM-CAN), about his career in the steel fabrication industry. STI/SPFA: Tell us about the history…

Voices from the Trade: Iron Eagle Welding Academy

 Welding is often described as a skilled trade. For the students and instructors at Iron Eagle Welding Academy in Stockton, Missouri, it represents far more than technical instruction —…

7 on 7 with David Kapla

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:…

Building a Stronger Industry Through Meaningful Benchmarking

The steel fabrication industry continues to navigate shifting economic conditions, evolving policy decisions, workforce pressures, and changing operating costs. In this environment, reliable, industry-specific data is essential for informed decision-making.…

Legislative Advocacy Committee Update – February 2026

The STI/SPFA Legislative Advocacy Committee met on January 9, 2026, to review current congressional activity, trade and tariff developments, regulatory issues, and advocacy priorities for 2026. The following summary highlights…