Petroleum Directory: Tubular Solutions Alaska sees steady growth in providing supply chain management services

While constantly reviewing industry needs, TSA delivers best value in tubular goods to Alaska’s major oil companies, 24/7/365

Q. Where is your company located? More than one location?

A. Our company’s main location is in Anchorage, Alaska. We also have offices in Fairbanks and on the North Slope.

Q. When was the company founded, who founded it and what was its original name?

A. The company was founded in 2003 by Sumitomo Corporation of America. Tubular Solutions Alaska, LLC (TSA) was its original name.

Q. Who heads up your company and who is on its senior management team?

A. Toshikazu Nambu is the president and CEO. John Harris is general manager and chief operating officer.

Q. What is the company’s primary business sector? What services does the company offer?

A. We primarily operate in the area of oil industry service and supply. Tubular Solutions Alaska provides complete supply chain management services for OCTG products for oil and gas operations as far as 700 miles north of our main offices in Anchorage, Alaska. We procure down-hole casing and tubing from various mill sources, both domestic and international, and transport it to Kenai, Prudhoe Bay and other areas in Alaska. From ordering at the mill to delivery, it can take six to nine months, depending on the availability of tubular products, so there’s little room for error in specifications. A mistake would be extremely costly for our customers and our reputation as a reliable, dependable supplier.

Q. Who are the company’s main clients?

A. We work with all independent and major oil and gas operators in Alaska. Much of this work is performed under supply agreements, but we do maintain substantial inventory to support the single well operation.

Q. How many employees does your company have? How many in each of its locations?

A. We have eight employees in our Anchorage office, one in Fairbanks and six on the North Slope. Our sales and planning departments are in the Anchorage office, and logistics for all operations is maintained in our Fairbanks office. Our coordination department at Prudhoe Bay arranges delivery to the North Slope customers. We’re available 24/7/365. Providing good service is a requirement of all employees, from the president on down the line.

Q. Is your company expanding any of its operations and/or locations?

A. Not at this time. However, we constantly review market conditions and are positioned to meet the needs of our customers. One of the benefits of a strong financial parent is the ability to react quickly to supply changes and requirements.

A. Our main strength is our people. Ninety-nine percent of our employees are Alaska residents. And most of our people have 20 or more years experience in the industry. Clients call Tubular Solutions because they know we will provide them with the best value for supplying tubular goods. We sell dependability and reliability. Another important strength is our financial stability.

In addition, we maintain the largest independent inventory of OCTG products in the state. Inventory management is a challenge for any company and can be even more difficult in remote locations like the North Slope of Alaska. However, it is what TSA does best. Our goal is to eliminate the inventory needs and problems of our customers.

Q. What do you see as your company’s biggest challenge in the next five years?

A. Our biggest challenge will be maintaining staff and keeping abreast of industry needs. We work hard to be an employer of choice to attract the best, most experienced people. Adapting to new customer needs and requirements — while maintaining a competitive package — places a constant demand on our staff.

Q. What do you see as future trends or opportunities for your company from, say, political events or long-term weather fluctuations?

A. TSA will continue to operate within its core business of OCTG supply management. As events unfold around the gas pipeline and the type of drilling necessary to support gas supply, customer requirements will change. TSA will adapt to the changes and will recognize continued opportunities for expansion and growth.

Q. Does your company have an anniversary or other landmark event coming up?

A. We are proud to celebrate five years of business in July of 2008.

Q. What is the average length of time employees work for the company? Are you hiring for any positions?

A. The majority of our employees have been with us since 2003, when the company was started. All positions are currently staffed.

Q. What is your company’s safety record?

A. Tubular Solutions Alaska has an excellent safety record, with zero reportable incidents.

Q. Does your company or its partners or subsidiaries maintain Web sites?

A. We maintain a general mailbox. The e-mail address is [email protected]. Our Anchorage office is at 310 K St. Ste; 402, Anchorage, Alaska 99501-2039. Phone: 907-770-8700.