Small Tube Products

Small Tube Products was founded in Waterbury, CT. in 1947 by two principles, Edward Oliphant and Alex Campbell.  Both were working for the Chase Brass and Copper Company at the time; Ed was in charge of manufacturing in the small diameter tube division, with Alex handling sales.  The two men decided to go into business for themselves, believing that a market existed for niche-type copper and brass alloy products.Small Tube Products was officially organized in Waterbury on October 3, 1947.  Production began in December of that year in a 16,000 square foot facility.  Initially, the company employed less than 10 people. By 1957, sales had grown to over $1.5 million.  The company had established itself in four major market areas: air conditioning/refrigeration, automotive (antenna tube, car heaters), housing/baseboard heating, and other miscellaneous application such as pinch-off tubing for television picture tubes.  At this point, Small Tube Products had outgrown its manufacturing space, and in order to have any hope of continued growth, it was decided to move the plant.  A search began for a suitable location, eventually leading to the central Pennsylvania area.  The city of Altoona appeared very attractive for several reasons; first of all, an abundant supply of skilled labor, which had been created by a decline in the railroading industry over the previous five years.  Secondly, Altoona Industrial Development Authority proved instrumental by offering a multitude of financial incentives for the company.  A new, modern manufacturing facility was constructed on a 33-acre site.  Additionally, the Altoona area placed STP in a much more strategic location relative to its customer base and raw material suppliers.  A total of 34 core employees and managers made the move into the 52,000 square foot facility in Altoona.

Today, Small Tube Products employs nearly 220 people, sells over $100 million worth of tubing, and has the capacity to ship approximately 26 million pounds annually from a 210,000 square-foot facility on a 33-acre site.  Additionally, Small Tube Products has been recognized by multiple local organizations, including induction into the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame in 2001 in recognition of the facility's standards of excellence over the past 50+ years and its dedication to the community in which it operates.  As the premier high speed, precision copper re-drawing facility in the world, Small Tube Products has the following key competencies:  ISO Registration since 1999 26 Million pounds of annual capacity Exceptional tooling department Level Wound Coils, Straight lengths and other packages Fabrication including bending and forming 22 different copper alloys available Over 1100 Shape sizes Tube Diameters from 0.040' to 2.625' Wall Ranges of 0.0045' to 0.300' Cut length tolerance to within +/-0.0075' Straightening to within 0.003' per foot in length Finally, Small Tube Products and its PA State Certified Safety Committee has been recognized several times by the Copper Development Association for its record in employee health and safety and by several major customers for its service and commitment.  From modest beginnings, the Company is well positioned to continue the success that has been achieved through the hard work and dedication of all past and present employees.   The core values that built the company will propel it into the future as it confronts any new challenges that lie ahead. Because of the commitment of its employees, and the years of experience and knowledge that have been developed, Small Tube Products will remain the world's leading producer of small diameter copper and alloy specialty tubing.