Mission - Capabilities - Meet the Team - History - News - Careers

When you are in the market for high quality tubing, we know it's never as straightforward as it seems. Our team of experts is here to help.

In our sales and customer service, we have extensive experience in both steel tube as well as the steel industry itself. Each run is customer and part specific. Steel specifications are established so that our product performs for you everytime.

Ralph Phillips - President & CEO
Ben Willman - Division manager
Tim Kleman - Customer Service Manager
Chris Vogt - Quality Manager

Ralph H. Phillips President & CEO

A successful Tool and Die entrepreneur since 1967, Mr. Phillips acquired the Barker Tower Company, a steel fabricator for the residential TV antenna tower business in 1974, expanding his capabiliteis to machining, fabrication and tube producing. Phillips continued to purchase equipment and businesses to expand his offering and ability to meet customers' needs. In 1980, Mr. Phillips purchased equipment from Ohio Steel Tube to open Shelby Welded Tube.

Seizing an opportunity to serve customers in the South, Phillips purchased the assets of Hedstrom Industries in Dothan, Alabama, which became Dothan Tubular Products.

In 1993, Mr. Phillips acquired the steel tubing division of Armco LLP in Middletown, Ohio, naming it Middletown Tube Works. Even as these companies grew, Mr. Phillips has remained an integral part of the business. Mr. Phillips assures every customer's needs are met, encourages innovation and creativity, and fosters a family work environment where employees are respected and valued.

Ben Willman Division Manager

Much like the rest of Shelby's experienced executive staff, Ben started with Shelby Welded Tube over 20 years ago on the front lines as a tube operator. Since that time, Ben has been instrumental in Shelby Welded Tube's success and is responsible for the entire operation at the plant.

Tim Kleman Customer Service Manager

With over 21 years of experience on the plant floor, in shipping and scheduling, including 6 years as the mill superintendent, Tim brings a wealth of experience to helping customers get what they need, every time. As the main liaison between the customer and the plant, Tim's proactive approach to customer service is felt by the long list of satisfied customers that stay with Shelby Welded Tube year after year.

Quality happens on the plant floor, which is where Chris started as an apprentice over 16 years ago. Chris is responsible for maintaining all quality systems and certifications. He can often be found working one-on-one with Shelby Tube's customers to assure that they get the quality tube that they've come to expect.