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52 53 one of the largest power generation shows in the world. Regarding its high level of productiv- ity, Shull reports that its fabrication department stays current by employing the most up-to-date versions of CAD design technology, and uses the industry’s most modern forming and welding equipment. “We have, in the last four or five years, had a decent-sized expansion,” he notes. “We’ve upgraded facilities, put in larger cranes, and some new blasting and painting equipment to make ourselves more competitive in the market – that was a several million dollar investment. And we are in the process of buying a new burning table to help facilitate the products we desire to build.” Shull admits that even a company that has been in the forefront of its sector for over a cen- tury still has its challenges. “It is a competitive world we live in, and we anticipate the market to be a challenge as we move forward,” he avers. “We’re going to have to figure out a way to do more with less. You have to have the ability to be more productive, whether that’s an investment in technology, or training for our employees, or a good marketing team to find the work.What we do is specialized, but there is some good compe- tition and we’re just going to have to work hard to prepare for the future.” One particular challenge for companies such as CBT is finding enough skilled craftspeople at a time when many young people are choos- ing college and white collar jobs over a career where they are trained to work with their hands. “You can really make a good living and have a long, productive career by choosing a craft,” Shull CHATTANOOGA BOILER & TANK COMPANY Please email info@jdseh.com for a quote or for employment opportunities 3470 W. Richmond Shop Road l Lebanon, TN 37090 615-453-8444 l www.jdseh.com l Locally Owned and Operated Specialized Heavy Hauling l 13 Axle Steerable 80 Ton Lowboy Trailers l 80 Ton Beam Docks l 8 Axle RGN Trailers l Steerable Flatbed Trailers l Dropdeck Trailers l Specialized Extendable Tank Trailers l Perimeter Frame Trailers l 6 Axle Steerable Dollies l Stretch Flatbeds l Rollbacks Holston Gases is one of the largest independent suppliers of industrial, medical, propane, and beverage gases in the United States. Headquar- tered in Knoxville, Tenn., Holston has grown to 27 locations in 7 states. n Welding equipment n Safety supplies n Propane for commercial and residential use n Industrial gases n Medical gases n Beverage CO2 n Cutting equipment and supplies SOME OF OUR PRODUCTS INCLUDE: states. “We hire welders and fabricators and fitters – skilled guys.We hire college-educated employ- ees, as well; we’ve got engineers and accountants. But there is a void in today’s society for craftsmen. And if a guy or a gal is willing to roll up their sleeves and learn how to perform some of these tasks, they can make a nice living. It’s an honor- able trade and really rewarding.When you get finished with a product and see what you’ve con- structed and what it’s going to do for our society and our economy, it’s very rewarding.” Meanwhile, Shull is hopeful that, for the next hundred years, Chattanooga Boiler & Tank Com- pany will continue its tradition of being one of the sector’s leading firms. “You can travel to almost every state in our country and point to some steel process vessel or custom-designed steel structure that we have fabricated and erect- ed throughout our history,” he declares. “This has built a lot of pride into our organization over the years and continues to be a motivating factor to our staff. It’s a very family-oriented company; we have fantastic employees and we fully recog- nize that our employees define us. It’s a stressful market and a stressful business, but we roll up our sleeves and work well together to deliver the product to our customers.” PREFERRED VENDORS n Holston Gases Inc. www.holstongases.com n J&D Specialized Equipment Hauling www.jdseh.com