Governor Kelly Celebrates 2023 Exporter of the Year: Tank Connection

PARSONS — Governor Laura Kelly visited Tank Connection in Parsons today to officially honor the company for being named the 2023 Governor’s Exporter of the Year. Tank Connection, a global leader in dry bulk and liquid storage systems, exports to 64 countries across six continents.

“As Exporter of the Year, Tank Connection is showing the world what separates Kansas from the pack,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Its impressive global reach was instrumental to our state surpassing a record-high $14-plus billion in exports last year. Congratulations to Tank Connection on this outstanding recognition.”

The Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award is the top export business award presented by the State of Kansas. Tank Connection was awarded this distinction last October during the Kansas Department of Commerce’s “To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards” banquet in Wichita.

“Tank Connection proudly extends the reach of Kansas-designed and manufactured products across the globe within the storage tank and aluminum covers industries,” Tank Connection General Manager Dennis Banning said. “Being named the 2023 Governor’s Exporter of the Year was a distinct honor. We are excited to participate in the continued success of Kansas-based companies through our involvement with the Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council.”

Tank Connection is an employee-owned company with 350 employees worldwide and has become a premier provider of aluminum dome covers and composite pedestal storage designs.

In addition to constructing the world’s tallest bolted steel storage silos, which hold sugar in Maryland, Tank Connection also built the world’s largest bolted potable water tank and dome in Mexico City. That tank in Mexico City is credited with providing about 13 million gallons of drinking water to more than 7 million people. The company has also been working with a community in Sri Lanka to build its first water treatment tank.

“Companies such as Tank Connection exemplify our state’s strong global reputation in both exporting and advanced manufacturing,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Their innovative, Kansas-made products not only are helping the local and state economies — but also are having significant impact on people’s lives throughout the world.”

Tank Connection competed with 16 other companies to become one of three finalists for the award. The other finalists included Norag International in Johnson County and Lubrication Engineers in Sedgwick County. 

For more information about the Governor’s Exporter of the Year award, click here.

Photos from the celebration for media use are available below.

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