How Pittsburg Tank & Tower Group
is Doing Automation Right
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INDUSTRY: Agriculture Truck & Trailer Job Shop Construction & Heavy Equipment
FROM "OLD SCHOOL" TO NEXT LEVEL AUTOMATION
Pittsburg Tank & Tower Group (PTTG) has been building steel structures since 1919, serving municipalities, manufacturers, and even the U.S. Department of Defense. Known for taking pride in their work and “being okay with being old school” PTTG has never stopped evolving.
In 2021, the company became 100% employee-owned. The shift brought a sharper focus on productivity, consistency, and safety. To stay ahead, they knew they needed to automate key welding processes.
“We’ve always taken tremendous pride in what we do, Now, as an employee-owners, we’re even more focused on improving efficiency and productivity. Our future depends on it.“
THE PUNCHLIST
The Customer: Pittsburg Tank & Tower Group (PTTG), Henderson, KY
The Need: PTTG needed a solution to increase throughput, improve weld consistency, and reduce the physical strain on skilled welders. As demand grew for carbon and stainless steel components, manual processes were limiting both quality and capacity.
The Fix: CLOOS delivered a three-station robotic welding system tailored to PTTG’s high-mix heavy fabrication environment. The system included:
– A flexible robotic system built for long, multi-pass welds
-Equipment optimized for both throughput and precision
-Integrated safety features to improve air quality and reduce exposure
-System design that supports continuous workflow and operator efficiency
-Built in adaptability to handle a variety of part sizes and weld requirements
The Bottom Line: With CLOOS automation, PTTG achieved:
-A 30-50% increase in output across multiple product lines
-50-75% faster weld cycles, reducing production bottlenecks
-A 40% reduction in weld defects, improving overall product quality
-A shift in shop culture from fabrication to production
THE CHALLENGE
PTTG’s skilled welders were in high demand, but the company needed to go further: increase throughput, keep quality consistent. and reduce safety risks while welding stainless and carbon steel parts.
Manual welding was hitting its limits. Long cycle times, inconsistent finishes, and repetitive strain were holding the shop back the shop’s growth.
“Safety, quality, and productivity were key drivers. We wanted to keep our people away from toxic fumes, ensure consistent weld quality, and reduce fatigue from repetitive work”
-Plant Manager, PTTG
“With CLOOS, we cut tower leg welding time in half. For tank accessories, output is up 30%. And we’re freeing welders to take on more complex projects.
-Plant Manager, PTTG
THE SOLUTION
After exploring options, PTTG chose CLOOS for its deep welding expertise and automation capabilities. The team implemented a three-station robotic welding cell with long-bed stations and dual-axis positioners for tower leg assemblies.
The system allowed one station to weld while the others loaded or unloaded this unlocks continuous production flow and a shift in mindset from fabrication to production.
Increased Productivity:
A stainless-steel panel job once took 45 minutes now takes 15.
Improved Safety:
Fume extraction integrated into the cell keeps air cleaner for welders.
Smarter Workflow:
New fixtures and tighter tolerances have reduced scrap and rework.
Let’s Talk Shop
Get in touch with one of our product specialists. We’ll walk you through the options, answer your questions straight, and help you choose the welding automation that fits your shop – and your goals.
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