Engineering is crucial in all industries and none more so than in the tank head industry where hot and cold formed heads for pressure vessels must be manufactured to the most exacting standards.
As engineers, we are equipped to understand the complexities of all aspects of a project, from what type of raw materials will be used to the capacities of various equipment, and the many stages of manufacturing, such as cutting, welding, forming, and heat treatment.
Some of the common challenges we face are when we fabricate parts or heads using “exotic materials”, or to form them into new or original shapes. In this way, we need to be imaginative in how we approach these projects while maintaining rigid specifications for the end product. A combination of hardnosed experience along with sophisticated software allows us to experiment with solutions in a more cost effective way than ever before. Complex methods and simulating software that can predict failure or success of a project are now vital tools in the manufacturing process. This is done before the project makes it to the shop floor.
Many disciplines are called upon in tank head manufacturing
Not only are Mechanical Engineers part of the manufacturing of heads for pressure vessels, but Chemical Engineers also play an essential role. The makeup and composition of steel requires deep knowledge of the chemistry and how it reacts to the extremes of the manufacturing process. As well, there are engineering specialists who play a key role. These include Metallurgists and Specialists in welding.
We are often called upon to manufacture a specific component of a larger project, for example a head to be used in a pressure environment within a large factory or manufacturing facility such as a refinery or a chemical plant. While we may not necessarily know the full scope of the entire project, an engineer will ensure that the component itself adheres to the specifications required by the functionality of that part.
The role of Artificial Intelligence in Engineering within the tank head industry
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere these days, and the field of Engineering is not immune to its reach. Within the tank head manufacturing industry, it seems opinions are split. Some maintain that the human know how required is still a barrier to A.I. taking over. Others believe that harnessing the best parts of A.I. is the way forward. As with all technological advances, they become part of the industry and using best practices as a guideline has proven to be the right way to navigate change.
Currently Finite Element Analysis and robotics play a very large role in the engineering and manufacturing of tank heads. Robotics has made Conrex a driving force in the pressure vessel heads manufacturing industry. We were one of the first to employ this technology. It can be stated that the decision to use robotics in the manufacturing of heads represented a huge leap forward for the company. Using FEA in simulating our engineering process of forming heads leads to savings of time and costs. These simulations provide insights into the process that might not otherwise be foreseen. This allows us to overcome difficulties and manufacture quality products. This becomes even more important when a customer approaches us with something new or out of the ordinary.
Most of our orders are custom, and so it is essential that engineering play a key role in analyzing the feasibility of a project and to prevent (or foresee) potential difficulties before they occur.
Our newest CONREXpert is Alex Leclerc. He’s our new Sales Representative for Ontario.
Alex brings with him a wealth of experience in customer service. Should a problem arise (and we sure do our darnedest to make sure that doesn’t happen) he knows how to get it resolved quickly and professionally.
“I love Conrex’s reputation for quality and service,” he says. “It’s one of the things that attracted me to this exciting new position. The company is an industry leader. Always innovating. Always building on the knowledge of the craftsmen that work with steel and the engineers who look for new and better ways to do what we do.”
Outside of work, Alex spends time with his wife and two children. He’s involved in minor hockey on many levels, from executive to coach to referee. Good call joining us Alex. We’re thrilled to have you on our team.
There’s just so much to like about Jon. If you’ve met him, you already know.
Warm smile. Mad about golf. Jordan, Kobe, and sneaker aficionado. Devoted family man.
He is truly a sports dude for all seasons; he loves golf, basketball, skiing on regular water, and the frozen kind. And about those shoes? He’s collected them since 1996 and now has a couple hundred pairs!
Jon and Lindsay are blessed with their three children, Phoenix, Memphis, and Waverly. They are deeply committed to the charity they formed in honor of their daughter Aspyn. You can learn more about their important work by visiting www.aspynarrows.com where they look to share their profoundly personal story while educating and empowering young families.
Jon is a proud Native American of the Creek Nation Tribe and a Northeastern StateUniversity graduate.
He knows our business inside and out and is celebrating ten years at Prescor.
We chatted recently about what makes him tick, about his long career with Prescor, and his enthusiasm about it becoming part of The Conrex Group of Companies.
“I was beyond excited to hear the news that Prescor was joining The Conrex Group of companies,” he says. “There is nothing better than teaming up with a company that shares the same values. Values like on-time delivery, for example. The customer’s resources are important to us; the vessel can’t be made if the heads aren’t in the shop. There couldn’t have been a better company to partner with. I couldn’t wait to share the amazing news and be able to offer the largest tank head assortment in the industry and more to our customers.”
The Conrex Group of Companies makes major acquisition of Oklahoma-based Prescor, further increasing capacity and capabilities to better serve customers across North America.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 2023:
The Conrex Group of Companies, under the leadership of President Larry Harrison today announced the acquisition of Prescor LLC, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Conrex Steel Ltd, is one of Canada’s leading manufacturers of ASME-code heads for tanks and pressure vessels. The acquisition will expand the company’s reach into the US market, providing expanded regional delivery channels and efficiencies.
This is a significant step in Conrex Steel long term expansion strategy and the benefits to both companies will be substantial. This move will allow Conrex Steel to provide that assurance in one of the most prominent vessel manufacturing regions in the US.
The move marks a new beginning for Prescor, a family-run business with a rich 50-year history of success, quality, and customer service. Organizational structure and culture was a big consideration driving the acquisition, aligning perfectly with Conrex.
“There is a genuine synergy between our two companies”, says Larry Harrison, President of Conrex Steel. “Our offerings are very similar, which will allow us to service the North American market even more efficiently. But more than that, what attracted us to Prescor is their values; the way they do business. Just like Conrex, they focus on people and quality.”
“We have had conversations with Conrex for over 10 years, and we know them well enough to feel they will act in the best interests of our employees, as well as grow the company further”, says Wally and Tom Trepp, the owners of Prescor.
Prescor has been manufacturing heads for over 50 years and because their die range is so complete (up to 96” ID) it adds value to the combined capabilities of both companies since Conrex’s new press takes over from 96” up to 192” ID, therefore, the overall capabilities of both entities are immediately enhanced.
ABOUT CONREX STEEL
Conrex Steel Ltd. is an ASME Code Head Fabricator for the Tank & Pressure Vessel industry. They are also known for fabricating formed elbows, spheres and have capabilities like special forming, stress relieving and shot/grit blasting.
ABOUT PRESCOR
PRESCOR, founded in 1969, is based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. PRESCOR specializes in 2:1 elliptical heads and weld-caps. They also manufacture dished only, hemispherical, flanged only and flanged & dished heads. Its hydraulic presses are capable of hot forming steel discs into tank heads up to eight feet in diameter, and thicknesses from 1/4″ to 4”. Learn more at www.prescor.com
Say hello to one of our newest team members. Greg Knespler joined us recently and we caught up to him to find out how he’s liking it so far.
“The staff is so knowledgeable and the focus is always on teamwork — ‘what can I do to help you serve the customer better’” he says. “I get to work with large multinational companies, and smaller organizations as well. What I find is that it’s always about connecting with people, no matter how big or small the company is.”
Greg’s approach is perfectly aligned with our philosophy. We live on our reputation for innovation, service, and the best quality products in the industry so that our customers know they can rely on us to deliver.
This approach stems from Greg’s interest in coaching basketball, both at the Varsity Level and in his community.
When he’s not cheering on the New York Rangers, you might find him in his garage rebuilding go-karts with a little Led Zeppelin blaring for good measure. Sounds like our kind of guy.
It’s important to know that not every company has achieved ASME certification like we have here at Conrex Steel. It’s a standard we wouldn’t do business without. That’s how we roll, or rather how we press and form.
ASME stands for The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. They date back to 1880, and are now the global authority promoting the art, science, and practice of multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences world wide. That’s a fancy way of saying that when you work with us you can depend on the quality and safety of every job we deliver, and we have the certifications to back it up.
5) ASME is the underpinning of our industry leading Quality Assurance Program.
4) We qualified under fully 7 key registrations and certifications including Boiler and Pressure authorizations, Technical Standards and Safety, Military and Defence production, and Temperature uniformity.
3) We continuously review our quality and safety standards, and have renewed our ASME certification through 2025.
2) We have the expertise in-house. Every one of our welders are qualified by ASME.
1) Our materials are top quality. All of the plates we stock comply with ASME code requirements.
There you have it. Make sure you look for ASME certifications on every job. It’s your assurance of safety and quality every step of the way.
While Joe is a new member of the team here at Conrex, he is by no means new to the industry. We’re thrilled that someone with such deep experience has joined us. His hiring is another example of our unfailing commitment to quality assurance.
Specifically, Joe brings more than 25 years of experience in all areas of welding, materials, heat treating, NDE, QA & QC, fabrication, and construction.
He started his career as a welder and continued his education and growth, becoming a welding and materials specialist and site quality manager. As a welding technologist and welding supervisor, his hands-on expertise means you can count on our products to deliver flawlessly every time.
What else makes Joe tick? From playing bass guitar to fishing for bass in the lake, Joe is a true outdoorsman. He enjoys hunting and trapping, and also loves speed sports like F1, NASCAR, snowmobiles, dirt bikes… “Anything with a motor” he says with a smile.
Joe also enjoys reading crime novels as well the study of physics and metallurgy, which have helped shape his career.
Congratulations on joining our team, Joe. We’re lucky to have you.
It’s no surprise that Nick has become such a key leader here at Conrex Steel. His experience in business development is vast, and his easy, warm, approachable style is the perfect fit for what we stand for as a company.
Last month marked Nick’s fourth anniversary with our team, beginning first as Canadian Sales Director followed by his promotion to North American Sales Director this time last year.
Nick is a top sales performer, which is a fancy way to say, he knows what it takes to ensure our customers are well served by delivering quality products on time, every time, as promised. And of course, it goes beyond just doing what you say you’re going to do. To us, those are simply the table stakes of doing business properly. It’s Nick’s deep expertise that truly makes him a valued partner in our customers’ business. As part of our team, he drives solutions and innovations, to provide service that goes above and beyond.
He’s an awesome dad to three amazing kids, and still has time for his other two passions: “everything football”, says Nick “and music”. Nick’s accomplished on the piano and guitar, writing original songs and performing.
His philosophy? “Live life deliberately,” he says. “Have a vision and a plan for your ideals and make sure you’re always making purposeful decisions to get to the next step of your journey”.
Reporting to the VP of Engineering, The Quality Assurance Supervisor will be responsible to guarantee the compliance of product manufacturing processes with the company’s standards, industry regulations (ASME), and customers’ needs, and will work with Plant management while continually improving the operational efficiency through effective use of the VP of Operations, systems and equipment while adhering to established company policies.
Job Responsibilities:
Establish control procedures for the overall production line, from raw materials to finite product
Conduct process audits to identify non-conformances when they occur and participate in finding the root cause and solution with the aim to improve the company’s manufacturing processes
Liaise effectively with customers and vendors regarding quality concerns, this includes off-site visits or audits
Liaise with Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regarding verification our process of manufacturing to correspond with the requirements of ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Codes
Liaise with Military customer on all things quality (MTRs, VIRs, VSIs, Process controls, etc.)
Ensure customer quality concerns are visible and communicated to all involved parties
Participate in meetings to determine root cause of quality issues with all involved parties.
Issue documents to communicate quality concerns/improvements. “Quality Alert”, “Method Sheet”, “Process change”, etc.
Manage and maintain NCR forms and database while proposing and ensuring that corrective actions are applied.
Document and reply to customer “Corrective Action Requests” (CAR)
Work with the Buyer/Planner to initiate “Supplier Corrective Action Requests” (SCAR)
Work with Engineering to disposition non-conforming product as necessary
Perform “First Article Inspection” (FAI) reports. This includes assessing product quality and dimensions
Manage and maintain the Conrex Gauge Calibration Program
Monitor and ensure that the Material Test Reports (MTR) of the arriving plates correspond/are in compliance with industry standards and customer needs
Review the dimensioning and tolerance of Conrex Products Inspection Reports in order to ensure that they correspond with customer specifications and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code requirements.
Develop and ensure compliance of internal operation standards related to product quality and testing
Review all work instructions for accuracy and completeness, ensuring that all customer standards as well as industry standards are fully understood and properly applied to products
Establish procedures and conduct studies to enhance industrial health and safety and to identify and correct hazards
Responsible for the generation of Quality documentation to ensure compliance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Maintaining his/her knowledge updated to the latest editions of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Ensure that all other departments, Sales, Estimating, Engineering, Production will work in compliance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Ensure that the Welding Procedures already qualified are updated based on the latest requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Prepare all that is needed in order to qualify new welding procedures when the necessity will arise
Work closely with the departmental supervisors to ensure employees are working in compliance with internal employee, health and safety policies and procedures, job orders and work instructions
Promote and maintain strong teamwork and positive employee relations
Use utmost discretion in dealing with company and customers’ confidential data
May advise technicians and workers, and train them on the standards that are in effect
May perform other tasks as deemed appropriate
Safety Equipment Requirement:
The use of appropriate safety equipment as described below is a condition of employment and not one of choice. Safety equipment that must be worn while in the floor as follow:
Helmet
Safety glasses
Ear plugs
Respirator as required
Safety boots
Flame Retardant Coat
Education and Skill Requirement:
University or College Graduate in Mechanical Engineering as asset
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or ASME certified
Thorough working knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) or ASME Pressure Vessel Code
Experience working in a Union Environment is an asset
Self-motivated, team player, strong interpersonal skills, positive attitude
Ability to use practical problem-solving techniques and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form, including blueprint/drawings
Ability to use a variety of measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, etc.
Highly organized and detail oriented, with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of Health & Safety Legislation (OHSA), guidelines & standards
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to read, write, and speak English
Conrex Steel Ltd. (Toronto and Kingston) is a North American based company providing world-wide service. With over 150 years of engineered driven expertise Conrex Steel is a recognized leader within the tank head industry. With Conrex Steel’s unique head forming, fabrication and heat-treating capabilities, we offer a diversified range of products. Head diameters begin at 6 5/8″, with few dimensional limitations on large, segmented constructions. Pressure vessel heads and tank ends are available in a broad range of sizes, shapes, thicknesses, and material specifications. A unique aspect of the capability to form heads is that it is largely still a production floor skill. Know-how and decades of experience by dedicated upper management, engineers, and employees within the Conrex organization is what sets us apart from other companies. Combining skill, proficiency and experience with machinery, technology and state-of-the-art facility ensures our continued success in providing our customers with customized, high-quality products and services. We are a custom fabricator known for quality, accurate lead times and outstanding customer service.
Conrex Steel Ltd. is looking for a dynamic Sales Representative who is preferably located in Vermont, Michigan or NY State, who is highly adaptive to current and new markets ensuring profitable growth across our diverse product offering. This individual will be working an underserviced territory with the objective of securing stronger relationships while educating our clients on our new capabilities. This person is a strong communicator with a positive demeanor, a self-starter, that is goal driven and has an appetite for success.
The successful candidate will possess or exceed the following criteria:
Responsibilities:
Maintain and grow new and existing clients in accordance with the company’s growth plan year over year.
Service existing accounts, and establish new accounts by planning and organizing a daily/weekly call schedule to execute on existing or potential customers
Manage and track large project opportunities through the life cycle and know all partners involved.
Manage a defined territory through regular field calls.
Maintain weekly goals of new business development calls, Top Tier reoccurring calls, and follow up lead development calls and quote/inquiry follow up.
Perform Annual Business Reviews with top 10 customers each year.
Keep management informed by submitting activity and results via weekly call reports, CRM entry, weekly one on one meetings with direct report.
Maintains professional and technical knowledge by participating in firsthand training, establishing connections with key personnel within the organization
Works closely with Estimators/Customer Service to ensure all customer expectations are met.
Cold calling potential customers both by phone and in person
Communication coverage for other reps during vacation.
Monitor competition by gathering current marketplace information on pricing, products, new products, delivery schedules.
Strong written and verbal communications with both internal (employees) and external customers
Contribute daily to the overall success of the team.
Qualifications and skills:
Minimum 5 years’ experience in a territory management role
Excellent communication and negotiating skills
Experience with CRM tools
Strong Presentation skills
Strong working knowledge of Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office programs
Steel/Manufacturing experience or similar field an asset
Experience with custom life cycle project sales (4 weeks to 6 months)
Self-starter with strong organizational skills
Able and willing to travel (35% a month) either by car or plane depending on trip and cost to travel, holding a valid passport (local and abroad) and driver’s license.
Reporting to – North American Director of Sales Strategic Team –
VP Engineering, Controller, VP Operations, Team Lead Estimation, North American Sales Director, and President
The Conrex Group of Companies is a world leader. Conrex Steel, Prescor and Formweld Fitting provide high quality formed heads for tanks and vessels. To learn more, click on the company logo.
Our newest CONREXpert is Alex Leclerc. He’s our new Sales Representative for Ontario.
