Waskey at 70: A Legacy of Precast Innovation and Modular Construction Excellence
From Bridges to Industrial Solutions: The Waskey Story
Founded in 1955 by two visionary LADOTD engineers, Roy Wascom and W.O. Pankey, Waskey began with a bold idea: replace creosote timber bridges with precast concrete slabs that could withstand Louisiana’s harsh climate. Their early innovation—a concrete joint inspired by tongue-and-groove flooring—evolved into match casting, a technique that dramatically improved joint performance and remains a cornerstone of Waskey’s engineering today.
This spirit of innovation laid the foundation for a 70-year journey of growth, adaptation, and leadership in the precast construction industry.
The Rise of the Waskey Platform
By the early 1960s, Waskey’s success with LADOTD bridges opened the door to a new frontier: pile-supported production platforms for the oil and gas sector. The corrosion-resistant nature of precast concrete made it ideal for decks exposed to harsh marine conditions.
Within a few years, Waskey platforms became a Gulf Coast staple—used for pump stations, generator stations, docks, wharfs, heliports, and compressor stations.
Their impact was so widespread that engineers began referring to any pile-supported concrete deck as a “Waskey Platform.” Many of these original structures are still in service today—an enduring testament to the durability and foresight of Waskey’s modular construction approach.
Safety Innovation: The Waskey Concrete Barrier
In 1982, Waskey introduced its first precast concrete barrier on a LADOTD bridge project in Grangeville, Louisiana. Designed as a safer alternative to traditional guardrails, the bolt-on barrier allowed for faster repairs and minimized downtime after accidents.
Over time, the design evolved to feature a flatter face, reducing the risk of vehicle climb during impact. Today, Waskey barriers line miles of Louisiana highways—protecting motorists and construction crews while improving safety and construction efficiency.
Expanding Production Capacity
From a modest 5-acre site on Choctaw Street, Waskey’s growth has been remarkable. The move to North Flannery in 2005 marked a major milestone, and today Waskey operates on nearly 100 acres, offering vast production and storage capacity to meet growing industry demand.
A Strategic Shift to Industrial Markets
In 2010, Waskey expanded into the industrial sector, applying its precast expertise to new applications. Early milestones included a sump project for a major Louisiana refinery and an intake structure for a greenfield site in Iowa. These successes highlighted the advantages of precast modular construction: speed, precision, and long-term durability.
Waskey quickly earned the trust of EPC clients by delivering on schedule, adapting to complex project requirements, and offering innovative design solutions. This strategic shift helped establish Waskey as a multi-industry precast leader.
In-House Engineering
Waskey’s move to in-house engineering has been transformative. Licensed in nine states, the engineering team specializes in precast concrete design, forming, handling, transportation, and performance.
Using advanced 3-D modeling technology, Waskey provides clients with detailed visual clarity—supporting installation sequencing, clash detection, and improved project accuracy. This approach significantly reduces design timelines across the construction process.
While Waskey’s in-house team drives innovation, the company still collaborates with trusted third-party engineers when needed, ensuring the best solution for every project.
Why Precast Matters Today
In today’s fast-paced construction landscape, precast concrete offers unmatched advantages:
- Speed of installation reduces labor costs and timelines
- Modular flexibility supports scalable, repeatable designs
- Long-term durability ensures performance in harsh conditions
- Sustainability benefits include reduced waste and optimized materials
From infrastructure to industrial applications, precast is shaping the future of construction—and Waskey continues leading the way.
A National and Global Footprint
Though Waskey’s roots are in Louisiana and Texas, its reach extends nationwide and around the world. Waskey solutions have been deployed from North Dakota to California, New York to Ghana.
Whether it’s Articulated Concrete Mats in the Gulf of Mexico or custom platforms in remote oilfields, Waskey’s precast products are trusted across continents.
Looking Ahead
As Waskey celebrates 70 years of precast excellence, the company remains committed to innovation, quality, and customer service. With a talented team and a legacy of engineering leadership, Waskey is poised to meet the challenges of tomorrow—delivering modular precast solutions that build a safer, stronger, more efficient world.
Seventy years behind us—endless possibilities ahead. Waskey is shaping the future of precast.
