Modern Welding Company, a family owned business, was founded in June 1932 by Mr. John G. Barnard. "Mr. Pete", as everyone called him, attributed the success of the company to its many customers, suppliers and most of all to its loyal employees. It was Mr. Pete's heartfelt belief that his employees were the company's most essential asset, collectively they made up the "Modern Family" that shared in both difficult and profitable times of the company.
In 2022 Modern Welding Company celebrated its 90th birthday. This is an exceptional accomplishment in today's ever changing economy.
Today, Modern Welding Company has 10 steel tank and vessel fabrication subsidiaries located throughout the United States, two facilities that fabricate structural steel and special custom fabrication products and 4 welding supply stores located in Kentucky and Indiana. The company is an industry leader by being the country's largest supplier of Underwriters Laboratories listed, underground and aboveground steel storage tanks for flammable and combustible liquids. Chemical storage tanks, ASME pressure vessels and structural steel fabrication are additional products manufactured by the company.
Made with Pride in America
Professional pride isn't just an idea at Modern Welding—it's a tradition. Since 1932, our team of fabrication professionals has provided fast, quality service, maintained the highest standards of design and fabrication, and employed the finest craftsmen in the industry to serve our customers.
In fact, our hands-on approach to service and industry expertise has elevated Modern Welding into a leadership position in both the U.S. and global markets. Modern is a national corporation. Our products are shipped to all corners of the world. With 11 subsidiaries, each linked by a state-of-the-art information network, Modern Welding can provide fast, efficient service no matter where our customers are located throughout the world. In the United States each subsidiary services its own geographic area on a regional basis for faster delivery, less transportation costs and a more personal customer relationship.
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In 1932 we started with a small job shop in Owensboro, Kentucky, and began expanding our operations as early as 1937. We've been growing ever since.
1932
Started with a Small Job in Owensboro
Modern Welding started with a small job shop in downtown Owensboro, Kentucky.
1937
Acquired Madisonville, Kentucky Job Shop
1938
Leased Bowling Green, Kentucky Job Shop
1940
Southern Builders Iron Company Acquisition
Acquired Southern Builders Iron Company of Owensboro, Kentucky
1944
Acquired Tucker Tank & Boiler Works, Newark, Ohio
Acquired Tucker Tank & Boiler Works, Newark, Ohio
1948
Built New Plant in Orlando, Florida
1951
Acquired L.J. Smith Company in Houston, Texas
1956
Finished Burlington, Iowa Plant
1961
Modern Supply Co.
Established Modern Supply Co. as a Division of Modern Welding Company
1964
Elizabethtown, Kentucky Expansion
Leased building in Elizabethtown, Kentucky for expansion of Modern Supply Co., Division of Modern Welding Co., Inc.
1966
Established Modern Welding Co., Inc. in Elizabethtown, Kentucky
1968
Locations at Both Madisonville and Bowling Green, Kentucky
Expanded Modern Supply Company, Division of Modern Welding Company, Inc. by establishing locations at both Madisonville and Bowling Green, Kentucky
1970
Built New Plant in Fresno, California
1970
Moved to new Corporate Office in Owensboro, Kentucky
1976
Built New plant in Augusta, Georgia
1977
Rebuilt Bowling Green, Kentucky plant
1979
Madisonville Rebuild
Rebuilt Modern Welding Co. and Modern Supply Co. in Madisonville, Kentucky
1995
Acquired Starco, Inc. Assets
Acquired assets of Starco, Inc., in Rhome, Texas as additional location of Modern Welding Co. of Texas
1988
Established Modern Supply Co. Inc. Location in Evansville, Indiana.
2001
Acquired ITEQ Storage Systems Assets
Acquired assets of ITEQ Storage Systems, Inc., in Fresno, CA. Assets were sold to Modern Custom Fabrication, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Welding Company, Inc.
2004
Acquired UltraLube Tank Line
2006
Rebuilt Modern Supply Co. in Bowling Green, KY
2018
Relocated to Evansville
Relocated Modern Supply Company in Evansville to a new building.