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A Storied History
Founded by Mr. James “Jimmy” Newberry in 1927 selling service station supplies, Newberry soon developed a national reputation as a supplier of oil tanks, thanks to hard work, quality products, reliable delivery times.
But something not everyone knows about Newberry Tanks is that Jimmy played a key role in helping two of his welders go on to be musical legends in 1946: legendary blues guitarist Booker (Bukka) White, and his young second cousin…none other than the ‘King of the Blues’ himself, B.B. King.
Bukka worked at Newberry long before he became a celebrity, his skills as welder as deft as his skills on a guitar. After he got out of prison, Bukka needed a job. Expecting a no, he went back to see Jimmy. A revolutionary in how he fosters employees and their families, Jimmy hired Bukka back…
1927
Newberry is founded by Mr. James “Jimmy” Newberry as an petroleum equipment company
1929
Newberry Tanks and Equipment developed a national reputation as a supplier of high quality storage tanks and equipment
1946
Newberry Tanks and Equipment hires Riley B. King, who would go on to become world renowned blues artist B.B. King
1951
Jimmy Newberry helps found the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI), a trade association with 1600+ members in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, and is nicknamed “The Father of PEI.”
1987
Newberry Tanks and Equipment remodeled and expanded blasting and painting facilities to offer a higher quality finish for our products
1997
Newberry Tanks and Equipment added in new office space to accommodate a growing team.
2011
Chris and Rebecca Long purchased Newberry Tanks and Equipment and introduced the company slogan, “New Thinking,” to encourage team members to bring new solutions to the tank industry.
2012
Newberry Tanks and Equipment acquired Faith Tank, allowing for production of lube tanks and assembly of lube dispensing and oil recycling systems
2019
Newberry begins sponsorship of the Stax Music Academy to help educate young artists and recognize the contributions of Newbery employees to the Memphis music scene.
2020
Newberry released an Award Winning Mobile Tank Chart Calculator, available now on Apple and Android for free.
2022
Newberry expanded Memphis operations, doubling rectangular and small cylindrical tank capacity.