Behind every industrial facility, processing plant, and energy infrastructure project is a skilled workforce responsible for building it safely, efficiently, and correctly. On National Skilled Trades Day, Maddox Industrial Group (MIG) is proud to recognize the tradespeople who keep critical industries operating — including professionals like Jacob Campbell.
Jacob is a General Foreman at MIG with 13 years of experience in the pipe trades, specializing in mechanical and process piping. His career began with a decision many young people are reconsidering today: instead of following a traditional college path, he chose to go directly into the workforce.
“I thought pipe welding and fitting was a cool career,” Jacob explained. “Every day is different. You always have to stay on your toes.”
That constant change is part of what continues to drive him after more than a decade in the industry.
Today, Jacob is leading crews at a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility in western Kentucky, where MIG is installing piping systems throughout the plant. His team is responsible for piping in tanks, blower skids, compressors, and other process vessels that help refine landfill methane into usable natural gas.
The work is highly technical and plays a direct role in the facility’s operational safety and reliability. At these facilities, if piping isn’t installed correctly, you risk gas leaks and serious safety hazards.
That responsibility extends beyond the piping itself. Jacob currently oversees a team of up to 20 skilled trades professionals, including welders, pipe welders, pipe fitters, and apprentices. Coordinating manpower, materials, schedules, and installation sequencing is critical to keeping projects moving safely and efficiently.
“If we’re not organized and don’t have everything together, the whole job can fall apart,” Jacob explained.
For skilled trades professionals at MIG, the work environment can present significant physical and safety challenges. Teams often work more than 10 feet in the air and handle handling welding, grinding, cutting, and heavy industrial installation tasks. At MIG, safety is treated as a core operational priority across every project and jobsite.
From fall protection and confined space procedures to welding safety and daily planning, MIG emphasizes strict adherence to safety protocols to protect employees, customers, and surrounding operations.
As demand continues to grow for infrastructure supporting renewable energy, manufacturing, industrial processing, and energy transition projects, the need for skilled trades professionals has never been greater.
There are several ways to get started: trade schools, apprenticeships, and development programs all help people build real careers.
MIG actively supports workforce development through apprenticeship opportunities and hands-on field experience. Other TransTech Group companies, including TransTech Fabrication, also offer welder development programs designed to help individuals gain practical skills and begin long-term careers in industrial manufacturing and construction.
For many people, the skilled trades offer something increasingly valuable: stable careers, hands-on problem solving, opportunities for advancement, and the ability to build essential infrastructure that powers communities and industries across the country.
On National Skilled Trades Day, MIG recognizes the professionals whose craftsmanship, leadership, and dedication make these projects possible every day.
Interested in a career in welding, pipefitting, industrial construction, or mechanical installation? Explore careers, apprenticeships, and skilled trades opportunities with Maddox Industrial Group: