Shaping the World One Tank Head at a Time
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, on a 20-acre manufacturing facility fully equipped with state-of-theart machinery, Baker Tankhead’s legacy of leadership in the US metal fabrication industry sets them apart. We sat down with the company’s executive leadership team to find out more.
Founded in 1977, Baker Tankhead is an expert manufacturer of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and noncode tank heads, rolled cylinders, and cones that are custom designed to meet the needs of a wide range of industries and customers.
Keeping pace with rapid changes in North America’s metal fabrication space, the company believes continuous adaptation and improvement is key to securing long-term success.
“As the industry evolves, so do we – whether that means investing in new equipment, streamlining our operations, or recognizing and promoting talent from within. We’re proud of the products we manufacture and the services we provide,” opens Aaron Baker,
Vice President.
One of the most significant shifts shaping the industry today is the rise of automation, robotics, and smart technologies, enabling Baker Tankhead to deliver increasingly customized solutions to its clients. Yet, because dishing and flanging tank heads remain fundamentally handson processes, the company leverages innovation to complement rather than replace human skill.
“Our creative ability is very important to us, so we use technology to make our processes better and faster while still relying on hands-on skills that take years to master,” comments Jorge Sigala, Production Manager.
Recently, Baker Tankhead expanded its technological
capabilities by adding an 800ton press to its equipment lineup. The company first manufactured their presses in-house before adopting earlier versions of this machine. Now operating with ten presses, Baker continues to acquire new models as advancements emerge.
“The European manufacturer of the press continues to make
improvements, changing up the speed and efficiency, which is very exciting,” Austin Baker, Owner and President, explains.
The new press will enable the company to achieve thicker products, while the machine’s wide frame will allow it to manufacture tank heads up to 30 feet in diameter.
“It’s one of the largest cold forming presses in North America,” Sigala confirms.
“It’s fascinating not only to see what we can build from a flat plate of steel, but what our customer base does with it.”
– Robert Paine, Business Operations Manager, Baker Tankhead
OPENING DOORS
On a mission to provide unparalleled services with a family focused culture, Baker Tankhead sets itself apart from the competition.
Collaboration is central to achieving this ethos, as the company maintains close relationships with both customers and employees.
“When it comes to our clients, we seek to develop long-term relationships – partnerships that are an extension of our family as we listen to their needs and anticipate challenges,” observes Alan Button, COO.
For example, Baker Tankhead is proud to have collaborated with a client in the aerospace industry who had previously struggled to find a manufacturer.
“We opened our doors to this customer, working closely with their engineering department
to provide the quality service they were looking for,” Austin elaborates.
By adopting an open-door approach in this way, the company has since built a strong relationship with the customer as well as countless others.
“We’re always willing to welcome customers with open arms – having been in this business for almost 50 years, I can safely say that’s an advantage we’ve had from the others and how we’ve built the company from the ground-up,” he continues.
Also applying this mentality to its team and employees on the shop floor, consistent collaboration contributes to Baker Tankhead’s greater goal.
“We offer a supportive environment for our staff, ensuring employees feel heard, empowered, and motivated to grow and progress,” Button comments.
Meanwhile, attention to detail and a deep-rooted commitment to quality further contribute to the company’s leading status.
“When you work with us, it doesn’t take long to see why Baker Tankhead has been growing strong for nearly 50 years – and why we’re excited about what’s ahead for the next 50,” says Aaron.
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
As a company that collaborates with a wide range of clients, Baker Tankhead takes pride in discovering the various uses of its products across different industries.
“It’s fascinating not only to
see what we can build from a flat plate of steel, but what our customer base does with it,” reflects Robert Paine, Business Operations Manager.
Historically, the company’s collaborations have included customers in cryogenics, oil and gas, and water treatment, however it has recently witnessed a boom in data centers.
“We’re seeing increasing demand from companies focused on green energy initiatives and carbon capture technologies,” Paine notes. “In other sectors, our products are used to build boring equipment for horizontal drilling.”
Beyond these diverse
“As the so do means equipment, operations, and promoting within.”
– Aaron Baker
applications, Baker Tankhead’s components have journeyed into space and contributed to oceanographic exploration.
“Tank heads are everywhere – from the food industry to vacuum trucks, water heaters, and liquor distilleries. The list goes on.”
ONGOING EVOLUTION
As the diversification of Baker Tankheads’ products continue to evolve alongside its customers’ changing needs, the possibilities for growth are endless.
Having started as a small 1,200 square foot shop that has now expanded to 200,000 square feet across 20 acres, the
the industry evolves, do we – whether that means investing in new equipment, streamlining our operations, or recognizing promoting talent from within.”
Aaron Baker, Vice President, Baker Tankhead
company’s historical growth is tangible.
It has implemented new on-site facilities and technologies over time and is always on the lookout for further opportunities to innovatively fulfil its customers’ requirements.
“We also boast various key differentiators such as maintaining the fastest lead time in the business, alongside our unparallelled service and high-quality products,” Paine prides.
“Once we’ve built a long-term relationship with a customer, I really think they begin to see what they were missing prior to working with us,” Austin adds.
Charting the course to continued collaboration
Having been a long-term partner of Chart Industries (Chart) for 20+ years, Baker Tankhead has established a solid partnership with the company.
“We’ve grown alongside Chart across multiple locations, maintaining a great relationship and a lot of repeat business,” Austin recalls.
Equipped with its new 800 ton press, Baker Tankhead is looking forward to manufacturing additional work for Chart, further elevating not only the caliber of products delivered, but their partnership as well.
Meanwhile, Baker Tankhead has never shied away from investing in the business, recognizing financial support as the key to success in the face of constant change – not only in terms of technology but in order to meet customer requirements.
“Companies who are willing to invest in themselves are going to be the ones that continue to succeed, and that’s exactly what we plan to do” Austin confidently concludes.
LinkedIn: Baker Tankerhead inc
