Overview
KTA-Tator, Inc. (KTA) is an established, employee-owned consulting engineering firm headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1949, KTA excels in protective coatings and linings, executing comprehensive corrosion inspection, engineering, and consulting services. These include coatings inspection, steel and concrete inspections, non-destructive testing, laboratory assessments, and consulting services, all underpinned by a team of adept engineers and certified inspectors.
Leadership
Key Executives
- David McFayden, CEO: McFayden, with a strong network of over 500 LinkedIn connections, focuses on KTA’s employee ownership model and its status as one of Pittsburgh’s top workplaces.
- Pete Ault, President and COO: As a materials engineering consultant, Ault is immersed in the defense and highway sectors, showcasing leadership through participation in pivotal industry events such as AMPP.
- Wendy Dameron, CHRO/CAO: Dameron leads with empathy, managing human resources to bolster KTA’s employee-centric culture.
Services and Specialties
KTA offers a spectrum of services vital for infrastructure integrity which includes:
- Coatings Inspection: Third-party inspection services to ensure quality application and prevent corrosion.
- Steel & Concrete Inspection: Rigorous inspections to guarantee structural safety and compliance.
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Utilization of sophisticated techniques for flaw detection ensuring infrastructure safety.
- Consulting: In-depth consulting services backed by decades of experience in the coatings industry.
Recent Developments
KTA continues to maintain its reputation through strategic growth initiatives:
- Top Workplace Ranking for 2024: Stands as proof of a committed workplace culture.
- Acquisition of Future Labs LLC (March 2025): This expands KTA's materials inspection capabilities.
- Infrastructure Expansion: Acquisition of a 17.65-acre site in RIDC Park West, Pittsburgh, signifying ongoing growth.
Financials
KTA-Tator’s reported revenue stands at approximately $61.1 million, solidifying its position as a key player in the engineering consulting market.
Notable Projects
KTA’s expertise is reflected in their crucial roles in high-profile projects like the Queen Isabella Causeway in Texas and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Washington D.C., enhancing infrastructure safety and longevity.
Competitor Profiling
Industry Position
KTA-Tator holds a distinguished position in the coatings and corrosion consulting sector, with accolades such as being ranked fourth in Pittsburgh’s Top Workplaces for 2024. Its independence from manufacturing affiliations and employee ownership underscore its credibility as a consultant.
Financial and Operational Details
KTA-Tator reports an estimated annual revenue of $61.1 million, employing around 247 professionals. The structure of total employee ownership emphasizes engagement and satisfaction, albeit with a slight 1% decrease in employee growth highlighting an optimization focus.
Competitive Landscape
Notable competitors include:
- Frederick Cooper
- Midwest Pipe Coating
- Watson Grinding
- Van Velsen
- Honeywell HTS
These competitors range from those specializing in industrial machining and coatings to comprehensive engineering solutions providers like Honeywell HTS.
Strategic Insights
KTA-Tator’s extensive service offerings, coupled with its independent, employee-owned model, afford it a strategic advantage in protective coatings and consulting. Focusing on technology-driven service expansion and new markets will differentiate it further from competitors.
