Live from NAPE 2026, The Crude Truth welcomes Kasey Cox of Metal One America for a conversation on OCTG connections, supply chain shifts, deeper wells, and where drilling technology is headed in 2026.
Kasey shares what operators are asking for today, how tariffs and commodity pricing are affecting steel markets, and why service companies are watching geothermal and lithium extraction as emerging opportunities.
1. Metal One America & OCTG Connections
Casey Cox explains his role at Metal One America, a Japanese-owned company specializing in Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) connections:
They provide threaded, coupled, and flush connections for various well applications (intermediate, production casing, etc.)
They sell intellectual property to distributors and licensees across the country who thread and couple the connections
The company ensures wells don't fail through quality connection products
Recently launched a new wedge connection product that increases torque capacity to 45,000 pounds, addressing deeper and more demanding wells
2. Current Industry Landscape & Market Challenges
Casey discusses the unpredictable nature of the current market:
Inconsistency: Every week brings something different that changes the industry
Tariffs & Commodity Rates: Steel tariffs and commodity pricing significantly affect operations and pricing
Mergers & Acquisitions: These deals can instantly change client relationships—a company can be a client one day and disappear the next after being acquired
Constant Adaptation: These changes keep service companies "on their toes"
3. Diversification into Alternative Energy Sources
Casey highlights an important strategic shift:
Oil and gas will never go away, but companies are branching into geothermal and lithium extraction
Service companies are exploring how to apply their existing technology and expertise to new energy sources
The key differentiator is people and knowledge—understanding how to transfer industry expertise to emerging energy sectors
This helps mitigate the natural ebbs and flows of the traditional oil and gas market
4. Well Technology Evolution
Casey emphasizes the changing demands on equipment:
Wells are going deeper, longer, and faster
Companies are pushing technological limits
New products like the wedge connection are designed to handle increased torque levels (45,000 pounds)
Growing demand for gas-tight connections due to increased activity in the Haynesville, Marcellus, and Utica shale plays
5. Sales Approach & Problem-Solving
Casey discusses his sales philosophy:
He uses a consultative approach—asking questions to understand client needs rather than just pitching products
He describes it as the classic "sell me this pencil" approach: ask questions first, then provide solutions
He acknowledges that engineers can be difficult to get to open up but are essential to understanding technical requirements
His outgoing personality helps him find "that one little niche" to break through and solve problems collaboratively
6. Professional Background & Career Path
Casey shares his 20-year journey in the industry:
Started in production (pipe, valves, and fittings for ~5 years)
Moved to consulting, where he did rig calls regularly
Now at Metal One America for about a year, focusing on drilling and connections
Upcoming trip to Midland with his manager and Japanese director to visit rigs and understand client needs firsthand
Self-described as a college dropout who relies on asking questions and learning from engineers
7. Industry Culture & Networking
The conversation emphasizes the personal side of business:
8. Contact & Engagement
Casey provides multiple ways to connect:
LinkedIn: His preferred method for professional outreach
Website: mo-tc.com for information on Metal One's connections
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasey-cox-50b29638/
Check out LFS Chemistry Sponsor of the Crude Truth here: https://lfschemistry.com/
Follow Rey on his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reytrevinoiii/
Also, Pecos Operating Website: https://pecosoperating.com/
Also, the great Production team at Real News Public Relations
