Cargill plays a critical role in the global food system, ensuring that the world’s growing population is fed safely, responsibly, and sustainably. With a finite amount of land and water and increasing challenges from climate change, Cargill is committed to reimagining food and agriculture through innovation, strategic partnerships, and sustainable solutions. From helping farmers succeed to reducing the environmental impact of food production, the company’s 159-year legacy is built on resilience and transformation.
A critical facility at the heart of Cargill USA’s operations is its turkey meal processing facility in Temple, Texas – a site that required a reliable fire protection tank to ensure business continuity, worker safety, and asset protection. That’s where SBS Tanks USA stepped in, supplying a ST14R06, 119,000 gallons, high-performance NFPA 22-compliant fire water tank that delivers superior durability, cost savings, and efficiency compared to traditional welded steel tanks.
Cargill initially specified a welded steel tank with FM approval, but SBS Tanks provided a smarter, value-engineered alternative – a bolted steel tank with a liner, which offered:
• Lower overall project costs
• Faster manufacturing and installation times
• HSE-friendly jacking installation method, eliminating the need for cranes or heavy equipment
• Safer installation, with 90% of the build completed at just 6 feet height
• Longer lifespan – 60+ years vs. 20 – 30 years for welded tanks
• Minimal maintenance, with no need for blasting and recoating over its design life
• Non-corrosive G300 high-tensile steel shell, ensuring long-term durability
Additionally, freeze protection was a key design consideration due to Temple’s cold climate. SBS Tanks incorporated an immersion heater with a custom control system, ensuring that water remains at optimal temperature and ready for rapid fire suppression at all times. Read more about our Fire Protection tank range online here
Internal liner installed
The construction of the SBS fire protection water tank at Cargill’s Facility followed a meticulously planned and highly efficient installation process using the SBS jacking system, allow the installation team to build the tank ‘top down’ while remaining at ground level. Once the ring beam foundation was prepared and inspected, the team began assembling the top ring of the six-ring tank directly on the ground. The first ring of steel panels was carefully aligned and bolted together, ensuring a solid foundation for the rest of the structure. Each panel (14 in total per ring) was precisely secured with high-tensile fasteners, and all joint seals were meticulously checked to guarantee a watertight and structurally sound build. The roof trusses and Roof sheets were installed next, together with tank access hatch, ladders and safety cages. The liner was then carefully fitted, forming a durable and corrosion-resistant interior barrier with no structural components emersed in water, thus protecting the tank body from wear over its 60-year-plus lifespan.
With the top ring in place, the SBS jacking system was installed – an advanced, safety-driven method that eliminates the need for scaffolding or dangerous work at heights. The system carefully lifted the completed ring, roof and liner, allowing the installation crew to work at a comfortable six-foot height, assembling the next ring below. This process was repeated five times, ring by ring, with each section being bolted, sealed, and reinforced before the jacks were engaged to raise the growing structure. By keeping nearly the entire build process ground-level, the risk of falls and other height-related hazards was significantly reduced, ensuring maximum compliance with strict HSE regulations.
As the tank grew, key components such as nozzles, inlet and outlet fittings, and the immersion heater for freeze protection were integrated into the structure at the precise locations detailed in the General Assembly (GA) drawings. Throughout the process, rigorous quality checks were performed to confirm structural integrity, proper sealing, and alignment.
Once the final ring was installed and the anchor bolts placed, the team conducted comprehensive system checks, ensuring that all connections were functioning as designed. With the tank at practical completion and the clients pipework connected, commissioning began, with liner seating and pressure tests at quarterly intervals until the tank was full to capacity.
The result was a robust, NFPA 22-compliant fire protection tank, built with precision, efficiency, and the highest safety standards. By leveraging the SBS jacking system, the project was completed on schedule, without heavy lifting equipment, and with a commitment to worker safety and structural excellence.
Installation of outlet Nozzle
The successful completion of this project underscores SBS Tanks’ commitment to delivering premium, engineered fire protection water storage solutions that exceed industry expectations.
By choosing an SBS bolted steel water storage tank, Cargill realized:
• Cost savings compared to welded steel alternatives
• Faster project completion, avoiding production delays
• Reduced long-term maintenance with a corrosion-resistant design
• Reliable freeze protection for uninterrupted fire safety compliance
Through a partnership with SBS Tanks USA, Cargill not only secured a top-tier fire protection solution but also reinforced its commitment to safe, sustainable, and responsible operations. This critical infrastructure investment sets Cargill up for long-term success, aligning with its vision of nourishing the world while reducing environmental impact and ensuring the well-being of its workforce and communities.
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SBS Tanks® is a leading manufacturer and supplier of modular steel panel water storage tanks fitted with an internal liquid storage liner. SBS Tanks USA, our office in the United States, services the USA, The Caribbean and Central and South America market directly from Conroe, Texas. With ISO accreditation (ISO 45001 and ISO 9001), collaborating with a trusted supplier like SBS Tanks USA, can offer professional advice and a variety of premium tank alternatives to satisfy your various commercial needs.
Contact Brian or Allan today and simply Request a quote here.
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