LT Corporation's Sean Wessel and Nicole Schwieterman guided the entire Kryton team through a deep dive into LTC's ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) structure. As a proud ESOP company, we are excited to continue this journey and welcome additional employee-shareholders to the plan.
Buckeye Fabricating Company is partnering with Ferguson Construction to add more than 33,000 square feet of manufacturing space to the current 15,000 square feet, resulting in a more than tripling of capacity. In addition to the increased production area, new locker rooms and a new breakroom will be built for the employees, along with an expanded and remodeled office area.
This strategic move will allow Buckeye to service customers faster and to build pressure vessels weighing up to 80,000 pounds - a significant increase from the previous limitation of 20,000 pounds. The expansion has kicked off this week and is expected to be completed in 9 to 10 months.
“This expansion positions Buckeye for continued growth in the custom vessel industry for the next decade and beyond,” said Gerad Miller, President of Buckeye Fabricating. He continued, “We are thrilled about the opportunity to enhance our capabilities and expand our team.” As part of the LT Corporation, Inc. family of companies, Buckeye Fabricating is a piece of a larger network of vessel and steel manufacturing companies across the United States, reflecting the company’s commitment to diversification and strengthening its profile within the industry.
Investing in cutting-edge welding technologies will enable Buckeye Fabricating Company to meet increasing demands of its customers more efficiently. Over the next five years, Buckeye aims to bring on board up to 30 additional staff members, signaling its dedication to fostering a skilled workforce and strengthening the economic growth in the region.
May 5, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: Dean Francis
Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development
LT Corporation
800-345-2495
Cleveland, MS – LT Corporation (LT Corp.) of Cleveland, Mississippi, the parent company of Quality Steel Corporation, LP Cylinder Service, Inc., Buckeye Manufacturing Company, and Kryton Engineered Metals, Inc. – all industry-leading manufacturers or providers of value-added services to their customers - announced the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Tate Metalworks, Inc. (Tate).
Tate, founded in 1972 and operating with its manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is an industry-leading specialty shop fabricator and field erector of welded steel storage tanks and pressure vessels serving a host of heavy industrial clients. Tate has decades of experience with a wide array of construction materials used in the fabrication and assembly of storage tanks, pressure vessels and other industrial structures, and serves a primary footprint in the Southeastern United States with a reach across the U.S.
Sean Wessel, President of LT Corp. stated, “We’re extremely excited to welcome Tate and all its associates to our family of companies and look forward to working with the team there to expand upon the previous success of Tate’s industrial business. Adding Tate to the LT Corp. family helps us to further our overall corporate objectives for growth and diversification. We are especially happy that Brian Tate has agreed to stay on as company President.”
Brian Tate, second-generation owner of Tate, commented, “I am excited for Tate Metalworks Inc. to be joining the LT Corporate family due to the strong cultural fit between the organizations and our similar growth and market-driven goals in our own respective sectors of the metal fabrication industries we each serve. As importantly, the combined core competencies and resources of the LT companies will bring strength and depth to the organizations under the LT Corporate umbrella. And finally, with LT Corporation being an ESOP company, it brings me great satisfaction knowing the men and women who have contributed to Tate Metalworks history and success will now become shareholders into the future.”
About the Companies:
LT Corporation was established in 1982 and is the parent company of operating companies recognized as leaders in high quality manufacturing or service providers in the propane solutions industry, pressure and storage vessel industry, steel fabrication and metal spinning industries. LT Corp.’s portfolio of operating companies includes Quality Steel Corporation (with three manufacturing facilities in Mississippi, Ohio, and Utah), LP Cylinder Service, Inc. (with two service facilities in Pennsylvania), Buckeye Fabricating Company (with one manufacturing facility in Ohio), and Kryton Engineered Metals, Inc. (with one manufacturing facility in Cedar Falls, Iowa). More information about LT Corp.’s subsidiaries can be found at www.ltcorp-inc.com (information on each company separately can be found at www.propanetank.com, www.lpcylinder.com, www.buckeyefabricating.com, or www.krytonmetals.com).
Tate Metalworks, Inc. was founded in 1972 and operates from a manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Tate is an industry-leading specialty shop fabricator and field erector of welded steel storage tanks and pressure vessels serving a host of heavy industrial clients. More information on Tate can be found at www.tatemetalworks.com.
We’re proud to be featured in LP Gas Magazine, highlighting our journey of transformation, innovation, and commitment to safety.
The article explores how our acquisition of American Welding & Tank in 2013 expanded our footprint and capabilities, bringing new energy to our operations in Fremont, Ohio and West Jordan, Utah. It also shines a light on our employee-first culture, driven by the Tims family’s leadership and our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Safety remains our top priority, with innovative practices like the risk prevention score helping us maintain a strong safety record across all facilities.
We’re honored to be recognized as a trusted manufacturer and employer in the propane industry.
Read the full article on LP Gas Magazine
We’re thrilled to share that Kryton Engineered Metals, a leader in metal fabrication and spinning solutions based in Cedar Falls, Iowa, has been spotlighted by Forbes for its innovative approach to workforce development and education partnerships.
In a recent Forbes article on Profession-Based Learning (Pro-BL), Kryton was recognized for its impactful collaboration with local high schools. Through its “student associate” program, Kryton brings high school students into real-world engineering and manufacturing environments, giving them hands-on experience that shapes their career paths.
Profession-Based Learning: Four Stories Of Student Success
Kryton has once again been chosen by the Waterloo Courier as an Employer of Choice for the Cedar Valley for 2025! As we reflect on the last year and all of the work that everyone has pitched in to build Kryton’s foundation for growth, we are encouraged to know that the Heart of our company continues to be steadfast.
https://wcfcourier.com/app/bookshelf
June 20, 2025
For Immediate Release
Cleveland, MS – LT Corporation (LT Corp.), a Cleveland, Mississippi-based parent company of industry-leading manufacturing and service providers, announced today the acquisition of Tanco Engineering Inc. (Tanco), a premier builder and servicer of aboveground storage tanks.
Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Loveland, Colorado, Tanco Engineering has earned a national reputation for excellence in safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Over its 46-year history, Tanco has set the standard in storage tank construction, maintenance, and repair. Its services span the United States—including Hawaii and Alaska—and include in-house fabrication capabilities, patented floating roof seal systems, and the design, supply, and installation of aluminum geodesic dome roofs.
"We’re extremely excited to welcome Tanco and all its associates to our family of companies," said Sean Wessel, President of LT Corporation. “This acquisition enhances our operating company portfolio and supports LT Corp.’s continued commitment to growth and expansion in the tank and pressure vessel markets. We are confident that with the Tanco team’s leadership, the company will continue to thrive and deliver the operational excellence it is known for.”
Chad Derringer, President and CEO of Tanco, commented, “Joining the LT Corporation family of companies is a perfect fit and has been well received by the entirety of the Tanco employee team. Our organizations share similar values, strong cultures, and strategic visions for growth within our sectors of the storage tank industry. Importantly, becoming part of an ESOP company like LT Corp. ensures that the men and women who have and continue to contribute to Tanco’s legacy will benefit as shareholders moving forward. We are especially pleased that Craig Greenslit and Tom Robinson will continue their employment with the company during the transition period.”
LT Corp. was advised by Bradley as legal counsel. Industria Partners served as the strategic advisor and Holland & Knight provided legal counsel to Tanco.
About the Companies:
LT Corporation, Inc.
Established in 1982, LT Corporation is the parent company to a group of operating companies recognized for quality manufacturing and services in the propane solutions, pressure vessel, steel fabrication, and metal spinning industries. Its subsidiaries include: Quality Steel Corporation (facilities in MS, OH, and UT); LP Cylinder Service, Inc (PA); Buckeye Fabricating Company (OH); Kryton Engineered Metals, Inc. (IA); and Tate Metalworks, Inc. (SC). More information about LT Corp.’s subsidiaries can be found at www.ltcorp-inc.com (information on each company separately can be found at www.propanetank.com, www.lpcylinder.com, www.buckeyefabricating.com, www.krytonmetals.com, or www.tatemetalworks.com).
Tanco Engineering Inc.
Founded in 1979, Tanco Engineering Inc. is a leading provider of welded steel storage tank construction, repair, and maintenance, serving clients across the oil, energy, municipal water, and agricultural sectors. Learn more at www.tancoeng.com.
Media Contact:
Dean Francis
Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development – LT Corporation, Inc.
800-345-2495
Over 23 employees from the LT Corporation family of companies attended the 2025 NPGA Southeastern & International Propane Expo™ in Charlotte, NC.
From April 4-6, 2025, the Charlotte Convention Center served as the perfect venue for the event. It was a fantastic opportunity for our team to connect with industry peers, strengthen business relationships, and explore the latest trends in the propane sector.
LT Corporation, Quality Steel, LP Cylinder Service, and Buckeye Fabricating met with business connections, reconnected with colleagues, and networked with industry contacts. The LT family was represented by operations, customer service, sales, marketing, strategy, and leaders from across the businesses.
Our 20' x 40' booth, shared by Quality Steel, Buckeye Fabricating and LP Cylinder, prominently displayed propane tanks and provided a comfortable area for engaging with suppliers, customers, and industry experts. This booth was the central hub for team members from all LT Corporation sister companies, including dedicated space for Buckeye Fabricating to meet and greet its customers and forge new connections.
Tariffs and their impact on the propane industry, steel prices, and overall economic uncertainty were the primary topics of discussion throughout the weekend. These issues were highlighted during the kickoff events and woven into many workshops and fast-track sessions held across the convention center and exposition hall.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological innovations were widely discussed in the educational sessions attended by our team. Topics such as data, technology innovation, sustainable energy, microgrids, combined heat and power, and cathodic protection were covered in well-attended workshops. Quality Steel Customer Service Manager, Matt Miller, was a panel speaker for the Cathodic Protection Installation and Testing session, sharing best practices on anode installation, interpreting NFPA58 standards, and ensuring compliance through proper testing and documentation.
We are already excited for next year's event, which will return to Nashville, TN as the Music City Center will host the 2026 NPGA Southeastern & International Propane Expo from April 19-21. The LT Corporation family of companies looks forward to another great show and the opportunity to connect with the propane industry in Nashville.
A few weeks ago, the Kryton team got together for a Walking Taco fundraiser. They were delicious, and with everyone's support, we raised enough funds to make a big difference! KRYTON Kares matched every dollar raised, and today we're excited to share the result—school supplies for our local Cedar Falls schools and organizations!
We're proud to support our community and help ensure that students have the tools they need for a successful school year. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated and contributed—have a great school year!
Effective immediately, Lynn Hardin, is promoted to President, Quality Steel. Lynn will also continue to manage the LP Gas Storage Solutions Business Unit going forward. We want to congratulate and thank Lynn for his dedication of 23 years of service to Quality Steel and the LT Family of Companies. In his new position, Lynn will continue to report to Sean Wessel,
We also happy to announce that Lance Dalton, previously Regional Sales Manager, will succeed Lynn as our new VP, Marketing and Sales. Lance has also dedicated 23 years of service to Quality Steel and has greatly contributed to helping us grow and become the successful company we are today.
