Kelly Sheptak – TW Industrial Group

Kelly Sheptak, the owner of TW Industrial Group, has taken the British Columbia-based company to new horizons. Originally rooted in the forest industry, TW Industrial Group has expanded its expertise to serve the mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Under Sheptak’s leadership, the company focuses on complex structural steel projects and plant builds across Canada and beyond.

TW Industrial Group’s transformation from a forest industry player to a multisector powerhouse is a testament to its adaptability and Sheptak’s vision. The company’s expertise spans fabricating and installing structural steel, piping, machinery support structures, chutes, and conveyor systems. This broad skill set positions TW Industrial Group as a go-to contractor for diverse industries.

TW Industrial Group’s success relies on its dedicated team in the field and at the home office. A core company value is ensuring projects are completed on time and to the highest standards. Sheptak emphasizes the need to attract more talented individuals to the TW Industrial fold as the company grows. The company’s current projects serve as a showcase of its capabilities to potential clients and employees.

Commitment to quality and reliability

TW Industrial Group has several significant projects highlighting its technical and project management skills. One of the most notable is the new coating facility, which will enable the company to apply specialized coatings to metal surfaces, meeting specific building requirements. Sheptak believes this new facility will enhance service offerings and generate additional work for the business.

The Arbios project is a prime example of TW Industrial Group’s ability to handle multi-phase, complex projects. Arbios, an Australian company seeking a one-stop fabrication shop in the U.S., has entrusted TW Industrial with fabricating and installing the paneling and mechanical systems on their building.

“We fabricated, installed, and did all the paneling and mechanical installation on their building. Now, we’re doing another phase, including all mechanical installation outside the building,” Sheptak says.

The Arbios project, a significant crushing plant in Prince George, British Columbia, marks a milestone for the company. Not only does it demonstrate TW Industrial Group’s expertise, but it also positions the company for future collaborations with Arbios. Sheptak’s involvement has been hands-on, from quoting the project to overseeing the erection and scheduling processes. His commitment to maintaining high-quality standards and excellent customer relations has been instrumental in the project’s success.

In the U.S., TW Industrial Group is gearing up to construct pellet plants for Drax Global in Louisiana and Alabama. This venture into the U.S. market involves building drum dryers, cyclone equipment, conveying systems, and structural steel. Sheptak acknowledges the complexities of establishing operations in the U.S., noting the significant investment and regulatory hurdles. Despite these challenges, the company aims to start the project in the fourth quarter of this year.

Sheptak’s role in the Drax project mirrors his approach with Arbios. He builds relationships with customers, formulates schedules, and oversees the planning and execution of fabrication and installation. This hands-on leadership ensures that TW Industrial Group maintains its reputation for quality and reliability.

Strategic focus

TW Industrial Group’s strategic focus centers on completing the new coating facility and continually seeking new clients through outsourcing. This dual approach ensures that the company remains competitive and adaptable. The coating facility is crucial to enhancing the company’s service offerings and reducing outsourcing costs.

Sheptak also highlights the importance of recruiting top talent. “I’ve never had an individual looking for people for me, which now I have my HR not concentrating on HR, they’re concentrating more on hiring,” Sheptak says. The challenge of finding skilled tradespeople has been exacerbated by the pandemic, but Sheptak remains committed to building a robust team to support the company’s growth.

Sheptak’s journey is rooted in a deep passion for his work. Trained as a crane operator, welder, and ironworker, Sheptak has firsthand experience in fabrication. This background allows him to understand every aspect of the business, from the technical details to strategic planning.

“I’ve done all aspects of the fabrication world,” Sheptak says.

This comprehensive knowledge base and his leadership skills enable him to steer the company effectively. Whether he’s overseeing a project, engaging with clients, or even jumping into a crane himself, Sheptak’s commitment to excellence is evident.

Passion for the Industry

Sheptak’s journey with TW Industrial Group showcases his dedication and passion for the industry. Over the past 25 years, He has been a driving force in transforming the company into a premier one-stop shop with a full-service steel coating facility.

From his early days at TW Industrial Group, Sheptak’s commitment was evident. After a brief hiatus, he returned and purchased the company outright, initiating a new era of growth and innovation. His vision was to elevate TW Industrial Group to new heights, and under his leadership, the company evolved into a comprehensive service provider, enhancing its capabilities and solidifying its industry reputation.

Known for his relentless work ethic, Sheptak dedicates himself fully to the company, constantly seeking ways to improve and expand the business. While others might find time for leisure activities, Sheptak remains focused on his work, driven by passion and dedication.

Despite his intense work schedule, Sheptak enjoys camping and riding motorcycles. He also has an interest in classic cars and trucks. His recent acquisition of a Corvette reflects his ability to balance his professional responsibilities with personal interests.

Sheptak is a successful business owner and a proud grandfather of two. He balances his professional commitments with family life and looks forward to exploring his hobbies further.