Butterworth

What Butterworth does

Butterworth tank cleaning machines have built-in reliability and strength because they were originally intended for use in marine tank cleaning applications, where durability and dependability are a must. Now they have added versatility, simplifying deployment in plants with numerous and diverse types of tanks. They offer a total solution, providing onsite surveys, analysis, design, engineering support, installation, and third party verification for regular tank cleaning projects.

Name

Butterworth

Legal name

Butterworth, Inc.

Website

https://www.butterworth.com/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1925

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Butterworth is a firm that provides the highest quality marine and industrial automated tank cleaning equipment and solutions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Tank Cleaning Equipment

NAICS

Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (3339)

SIC

Pumps & Pumping Equipment (3561)

akta.pro primary industry

Pressure Washing & Jetting Equipment (IMAHALAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Industrial Vacuum & Tank Cleaning Services (Non-hazardous) (EUAIAGAL)

Keywords

• Tank cleaning equipment
• Marine tank washing
• Industrial cleaning machines
• Automated tank cleaning
• Spray ball nozzles

Headquarters

HQ city

Houston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Equipment Sales: Sale of tank cleaning machines (K, SK, LT, LTFT, LTQ, BC, MICRO100A, DW), static spray balls (UAA, UBA, UBC, UBD, UBF), hoses, couplings, accessories, and spare parts kits.
2. Equipment Rentals: Short-term rentals (≤2 months/60 days for marine) and long-term rentals (exceeding 60 days) with weekly, monthly, and annual rate options. Includes machines, hoses, pumps, and accessories.
3. Spare Parts and Tool Kits: Replacement parts, repair kits, and specialized tool kits for self-maintenance of Butterworth equipment. Offered as standard, complete, or gear kits.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Butterworth designs, manufactures, and rents automated tank cleaning and tank washing machines for marine and industrial applications. The product portfolio includes portable and stationary machines (K/SK, LT/LTFT, LTQ, BC, MICRO100A), static and rotating spray balls/heads, and supporting accessories (hoses, couplings, ManWay assemblies, tool kits). The company also operates a global rental fleet of tank cleaning machines, including the legendary K Machine, with weekly, monthly, and annual rental options.

Product overview

Butterworth offers a comprehensive portfolio of tank cleaning solutions comprising automated tank cleaning machines (K/SK, LT/LTFT, LTQ, BC, MICRO100A, Directional Washer, and Unidirectional variants), static and rotating spray balls/heads (UAA, UBA, UBC, UBF, UBD), general purpose nozzles (BE/BG), and supporting accessories including hoses, couplings, ManWay assemblies, trolleys, and maintenance tool/spare parts kits. The product line serves marine, industrial, and municipal applications across diverse industries including oil & gas, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, breweries, ethanol/biorefineries, railcar, tank truck, and barge cleaning. The company also provides equipment rental programs for both short-term and long-term needs, and offers engineering support services including onsite surveys, analysis, design, and engineering for tank cleaning projects. Butterworth pioneered the portable tank cleaning machine in 1925 and maintains manufacturing operations in Houston, Texas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• K/SK Tank Cleaning Machines Bronze automated tank cleaning machines providing 360-degree impact indexed coverage for cleaning tank interiors, with integrated turbine drive and capacity to clean tanks up to 10,000,000 gallons. Targeted at marine vessel operators and large industrial tank owners.
• LT-LTFT Tank Cleaning Machines Automated tank cleaning machines providing 360-degree impact indexed coverage for tanks ranging from 500-150,000 gallons, with sealed gearbox and 316 SS/CD4-MCU duplex stainless steel construction for sanitary industrial applications.
• LTQ Tank Cleaning Machines Automated tank cleaning machines providing 360-degree impact indexed coverage for tank capacities ranging from 13,000 to 130,000 US gallons, with integrated turbine and shaft drive for sanitary industrial use.
• BC Automated Tank Cleaning Machines Automated tank cleaning machines providing 360-degree impact indexed coverage for tanks ranging from 500-45,000 gallons, suitable for process, storage, and transportation applications.
• MICRO100A Tank Cleaning Machines Compact automated tank cleaning machines providing 360-degree impact indexed coverage for small tanks and process vessels, capable of operating at pressures up to 1000 psi.
• Directional Washer Tank Cleaning Machines Automated tank cleaning machines providing directional impact cleaning of open-top tanks with adjustable spray arms from 270 degrees down to zero, capable of cleaning tanks up to 10,000,000 gallons.
• LT/LTQ/BC Unidirectional Cleaning Machines Unidirectional tank cleaning machines with pinned nozzle bodies for targeted cleaning of specific areas such as spray drying columns, smokestacks, and ribbon blenders.
• UAA Static Spray Balls Static spray balls for simple, fast, and efficient tank rinsing in hygienic and non-hygienic applications, available in various spray patterns and surface finishes.
• UBA Rotating Spray Balls Single-axis rotary spray balls designed for tanks up to 22 ft, with mechanically controlled rotation to maximize spray radius and impact values.
• UBC Rotating Spray Heads Rotating spray heads projecting sheets of water using low volumes with higher fluid impact values compared to conventional static spray balls, suitable for hygienic and non-hygienic applications.
• UBF Rotating Spray Heads Rotating spray heads offering 270-degree coverage for cleaning inside of small tanks, process vessels, pipes, and small containers with opening as small as 1.00 inches.
• UBD Rotating Spray Heads Rotating spray heads offering 360-degree coverage to clean inside of small tanks and process vessels, designed for rinsing applications with Teflon bearing surfaces for reliability.
• General Purpose Nozzles (BE/BG) Two-piece full-cone spray nozzles producing even spray distribution at angles ranging from 60 to 120 degrees, available in brass, 303 stainless steel, and 316 stainless steel.
• Marine Tank Cleaning Machine Rental Short-term and long-term leasing programs for bronze Type K and SK portable tank cleaning machines, ideal for tank cleaning during dry dock or cargo changes. Available with weekly, monthly, and annual rates.
• Industrial Tank Cleaning Machine Rental Rental programs for industrial tank cleaning applications offering complete tank cleaning machine product line including hoses, centrifugal pumps, and accessories with weekly, monthly, and annual rates.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% self-rinsing capability for specific models
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles8 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.

• GAC (Gulf Agency Company)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine supply center partnership for Gulf region (Fujairah, UAE). GAC handles distribution and supply of Butterworth tank cleaning equipment to marine vessels in the Middle East region.
• GAC Netherlands Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine supply center partnership for Netherlands/Rotterdam. Located at Butaanweg 5 D, Rotterdam/Pernis, Port nr. 3005. Handles distribution to European shipping.
• GAC (Singapore) PTE. LTD.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine supply center partnership for Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Located at 20 Gul Way, Singapore 629196. Serves Southeast Asian maritime market.
• Seagulf Marine IndustriescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine supply center for Canada with locations in Montreal (Quebec), Dartmouth (Nova Scotia), and St. Catharines (Ontario).
• Zervoudakis Marine Supplies Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine supply center for Piraeus, Greece (31 Milou Street, GR-185 45 Piraeus). Primary supplier to Greek shipping industry.
• West Coast Ship SupplyregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine supply center for US West Coast locations including San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle.
• East Coast Ship SupplyregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine supply center for US East Coast (Delaware to Maine) located in New Providence, NJ.
• Icon International, Inc.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine supply center for California/Los Angeles and San Pedro.
• Alliance Supply Management, Ltd.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarine supply center for Texas located in Houston (4551 Kennedy Commerce Drive).
• Enpro, Inc.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS industrial representative covering Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee. Multiple office locations including Memphis, Addison (IL), and St. Louis.
• Prime Engineering SalesregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS industrial representative for Connecticut and Northern New Jersey.
• Calwest Mashy/MaghyregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS industrial representative for Northern California and Washington state.
• Industrial Mechanical Specialties Ltd.regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational representative for Canada (Thornhill, Ontario).
• Select SprayregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational representative for Netherlands and Belgium (Koolhovenstraat 9-11, Schiedam, Netherlands).
• SUNCREST ENGINEERING PTE LTDregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational representative for Singapore.
• Sintemar EspañaregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational representative for Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Alfa Laval: Global industrial process equipment manufacturer with a dedicated tank cleaning product line (including the Gamajet brand). Competes directly with Butterworth in marine and industrial tank cleaning while offering broader separation, heat transfer, and fluid handling portfolios.
• Spraying Systems Co. World's largest manufacturer of spray nozzles and tank washing equipment, including the TankJet product line. Directly comparable to Butterworth's rotating spray heads (UBA/UBC/UBF/UBD) and serves overlapping marine, food & beverage, and chemical processing customers.
• GEA Group: Global supplier of process equipment for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, including CIP (clean-in-place) systems that overlap with Butterworth's sanitary tank cleaning offerings in breweries and pharma.
• Tetra Pak: Major process equipment and packaging provider for the food and beverage industry. Competes with Butterworth in brewery and dairy tank cleaning applications as part of broader processing line solutions.

Direct peers

• Scanjet Group: Specialized manufacturer of tank cleaning machines and tank washing equipment for marine, offshore, and industrial applications. Closest direct competitor to Butterworth's K/SK and LT/LTQ product lines with comparable jet-driven technology.

Emerging players

• Lechler: German manufacturer of precision spray nozzles and tank cleaning equipment serving chemical, food, and steel industries. Overlaps with Butterworth in industrial process vessel cleaning applications.
• BETE Fog Nozzle: Manufacturer of spray nozzles and tank washing products with focus on industrial process applications. Comparable to Butterworth's general-purpose nozzles (BE/BG) and smaller rotating spray heads in chemical and food processing.
• NLB Corporation: Manufacturer of high-pressure water jetting equipment and pumps for industrial cleaning, surface preparation, and tank cleaning. Comparable jetting technology and serves overlapping industrial cleaning contractors.

Others

• KMT Waterjet Systems: Manufacturer of high-pressure waterjet pumps and equipment for industrial cutting and cleaning applications. Comparable underlying jetting/pumping technology to Butterworth's stream impingement platform.

Regional players

• Hammelmann Maschinenfabrik: German manufacturer of high-pressure plunger pumps and water jet technology for industrial cleaning. Comparable pump/jetting technology to Butterworth, primarily serving European industrial cleaning markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ButterworthSystems

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Butterworth