RathGibson International LLC
Tubes and pipes
Company Overview and History
RathGibson has evolved from a family business into a prominent global manufacturer of precision welded tubing and pipe. Its history traces back to the establishment of Rath Manufacturing in Janesville, Wisconsin, focusing on the dairy industry, and Gibson Tube in North Branch, New Jersey, specializing in small diameter tubing. These two entities merged, forming RathGibson, which subsequently expanded its capabilities through the acquisition of Greenville Tube in Clarksville, Arkansas, adding seamless tubing to its portfolio. Over the decades, RathGibson has achieved significant milestones, including the installation of an off-line annealer for nickel alloy tubing, the operational launch of an electropolishing center, and the integration of laser mill technology. The company also gained ISO 9001 registration and expanded into specialized markets like subsea umbilical tubing, eventually becoming part of Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC).
Products and Manufacturing Excellence
RathGibson specializes in manufacturing high-quality welded, welded and drawn, and seamless tubing and pipe for diverse energy and industrial applications. Its product range serves critical sectors such as power generation, oil & gas, beverage, chemical processing, desalination, automotive, medical, and food and dairy industries. The company employs proprietary manufacturing processes designed to ensure superior performance. Key stages include precise roll-forming, advanced welding techniques—Micro-Welding, Laser Welding, TIG Welding, and Plasma Arc Welding—notably without the use of filler material. Other processes involve bright annealing in a hydrogen atmosphere, thorough cleaning, and hammer forging for uniform weld bead dimension. Surface finishes include mechanical polishing to 20µ-in Ra (0.5 µm) ID max and electropolishing to 10µ-in Ra (0.25 µm) OD max, performed in an ISO Class 5 Cleanroom.
Quality Assurance and Global Reach
Quality and precision are central to RathGibson's operations. All tubing and pipe are manufactured to meet stringent regulatory and internal specifications, often exceeding industry standards, such as maintaining tolerances of +/-0.030' (0.76 mm) in 3' (0.91 m). The company utilizes Eddy Current Testing in-line and post-annealing in accordance with ASTM E426 to ensure product integrity. RathGibson also emphasizes robust supply chain management, selecting raw material suppliers based on quality and reputation. To support its global customer base, the company has implemented a state-of-the-art tracking system for orders and maintains a worldwide presence with offices in locations including Shanghai, Seoul, Mumbai, Vienna, and Singapore, facilitating efficient product delivery and service.
