By: Mike Nelms
Since the beginning of this year, I’ve been enjoying what I like to call “mostly retirement” from my role as full-time plant manager at Induron. Stepping back has been rewarding, but there was one project I simply couldn’t leave unfinished before easing fully into retirement—the replacement of our solvent tank farm.
For several years, I felt strongly that our tank farm needed to be updated. The reasons were clear: safety, environmental responsibility, and frankly, aesthetics. Our original tanks were nearly 50 years old. While they had served us well, they were outdated, oversized for our current needs, and frankly, no longer reflective of the standards Induron holds itself to.
Over time, as Induron adapted to stricter environmental regulations, we reduced both the quantity and variety of solvents used in our processes. Because of this, we were only utilizing about half of the original nine vertical tanks and one horizontal tank. The new system streamlines operations and storage significantly—we now have just three double-compartment horizontal tanks. Not only does this meet our operational needs, but it also provides a cleaner, more efficient, and safer setup.
Of course, like any large-scale project, there were challenges along the way. Thankfully, we partnered with a contractor we’ve worked with for years, and that longstanding relationship ensured excellent communication with both their team and Induron management. That collaboration helped us navigate the bumps smoothly, resulting in a project that I believe we can all be proud of.
On a personal note, this project gave me the opportunity to bring my career full circle. Before joining Induron, I spent over 20 years building storage tanks. While I enjoyed the work, the constant travel eventually wore thin. This final project allowed me to dust off that expertise and apply it one last time—not just for the satisfaction of seeing it through, but to help position Induron for decades of success.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to play a role in many improvements at Induron. But this one feels especially meaningful. Our new solvent tank farm will serve Induron, our employees, and ultimately our customers for at least another 50 years. Leaving that legacy behind as I step into retirement is something I’m deeply proud of.