Above: With the HAV-3145, Joe White Tank Company can bundle pipe, valve, and fi ttings orders with products like this ASME storage tank.
August, 2025- Facing growing demand and a rapidly evolving marketplace, Joe White Tank Co. ( JWT) sought to boost control over a critical part of its fabrication process rolled cylinder production. The Texas-based fabricator, established in 1942, has long been recognized for its expertise in manufacturing pressure vessels, tanks, piping systems and OEM refrigeration products.
Instead of continuing to rely on external suppliers and associated long lead times for plate rolling, the company decided to move the rolling process in house. The solution, a threeroll plate rolling machine from Faccin Group, has dramatically improved operational efficiency and responsiveness, according to Jeff Yurtin, JWT’s vice president.
As a fabricator operating in the heart of oil and gas country where market swings are common, JWT often faced long lead times for rolled cylinders particularly during industry booms. “These lead times could stretch into several weeks, undermining our ability to meet tight deadlines and remain competitive,” Yurtin says.
With cylinder sizes varying significantly for the wide range of tanks JWT is capable of fabricating, keeping a wide stock of cylinders wasn’t practical. The unpredictability of supply from third parties not only impacted project timelines but also restricted the fabricator’s ability to take on premium, quick-turnaround jobs.
Installation of the HAV-3145 plate roller.
Joe White Tank Company supports a range of end users with cylinder tanks like this Porta Batch lime slaker.
SUPPORT SYSTEM
Recognizing the need for greater control, JWT’s leadership considered rolling equipment from Italy-based Faccin, a builder of metal forming equipment. “My background in oil and gas fabrication particularly in rolled cylinders meant I knew what was at stake. I was relieved and impressed that the team selected Faccin. I had worked with their machines before and knew them to be durable, precise and backed by excellent service,” Yurtin recalls.
What gave the JWT team additional confidence was the support from Faccin’s local distributor, Sterling Fab Tech. “They’ve got a great reputation,” says Yurtin. “We were walked through every step of the decision-making process. They helped us identify a machine that matched our needs perfectly already in stock, and crucially, it didn’t require a pit.” The solution was the Faccin HAV-3145, a threeroll plate rolling machine capable of handling heavy-duty materials and producing high-precision results.
PRECISION MEETS PERFORMANCE
With a maximum plate width of 120 in. and the ability to roll 1-in.-thick material, the HAV3145 supports the fabrication of both large-diameter cylinders and thick-walled cones. Its electronic parallelism system (EPS), Siemens control unit and centralized lubrication system ensure consistent, efficient performance with reduced maintenance. The HAV3145 is also recognized for its versatility and its tight tolerances. “The Faccin HAV-3145 delivered more than just speedfit introduced a new standard of quality and precision to JWT’s operations,” states Yurtin.
The design of the HAV-3145 also minimizes offset between the top and lower rolls for optimal pre-bending and supports of bothedge pre-bending without removing the plate. “These features have enabled JWT to expand our product range while maintaining tight tolerances and repeatability an essential factor in high-stakes applications such as pressure vessels,” explains Yurtin.
SOLUTIONS ORIENTED
For more than half a century, Faccin has been supporting manufacturers and fabricators with a wide range of equipment solutions. The Faccin portfolio includes two-, three-, and four-roll plate rolling machines in various geometries including linear, planetary, variable and asymmetric. The company has installed more than 6,500 rolling machines worldwide.
The HAV-3145 plate roll has become a core asset in JWT’s manufacturing ecosystem. It supports both standard and custom work across a variety of sectors, from industrial refrigeration to structural fabrication. The machine’s reliability and adaptability have enabled JWT to take on more ambitious projects without compromising on quality or timeline.
JWT, which is owned by pipe, valves and fittings distributor Cohn & Gregory Supply, also leverages its newfound, in-house rolling capacity to support customers by combining pipe, valve and fittings orders with cylinder fabrication. This bundling not only adds value for clients it also contributes directly to JWT’s bottom line.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
“The ROI goes beyond just dollarsfit’s about being more agile, more independent and more capable of delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines,” says Yurtin. He sees the success of the HAV-3145 investment as an underscore to JWT’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence, ensuring the company remains a trusted partner in an increasingly competitive industry.
“This machine paid for itself faster than anyone expected,” reports Yurtin. “It’s not just about volumefit’s the ability to say yes to rush jobs, to reduce waste by making use of drop material, and to form components like backing bars in house. These capabilities give us a major edge.”
Joe White Tank Company installed an HAV-3145 to avoid the long and inconsistent lead times from third party rolling suppliers.
INSTALLATION
From purchase to production, the transition to in-house rolling using the HAV-3145 was seamless. Installation and commissioning took less than a month, because the machine was already in stock at the Faccin facilities in the U.S., and the absence of a required pit made the installation process smooth. JWT’s responsibilities were minimal: hiring a rigger to position the machine and an electrician for wiring. Once installed, the Faccin team provided on-site training and support to get operators up to speed. Faccin also offers access to spare parts for its machines and a highly trained team of customer support personnel who are available for customers worldwide.
“Within days, JWT was rolling cylinders on demand, eliminating dependency on third-party suppliers and slashing turnaround times,” states Yurtin.
FFJ Faccin Group, 251/929-9300, http://www.faccingroup.com/
Joe White Tank Co., 817/624-1141, http://www.jwtank.net/
