Phillips Tube Group traces its roots back to 1967 when the late Ralph Phillips opened a machine shop on the outskirts of Shelby, Ohio. Initially named Phillips Welding and Machine, Mr. Phillips realized the need locally for a machine shop. Within one year he secured a government contract and work with local businesses.

Over the years, his business in Shelby grew. First with the purchase of Barker Tower in 1974, a manufacturer of TV antennas, which was later renamed to Phillips Mfg. & Tower Co. In 1979 an addition was added to the facility that allowed tube mills to be brought on site. By 1984, the tube division of Phillips Mfg. & Tower Company became Shelby Welded Tube.