For more than 14 years, Texas-based Locke Solutions has built a reputation for tackling the complex precast concrete projects that many manufacturers avoid. From utility trenches and electrical communication vaults to bridge deck panels, marine structures and large custom infrastructure components, more than 80 percent of the company’s work is custom engineered to meet unique customer requirements.  

Whether producing a half-cubic-yard structure or a 200,000-pound monolithic precast component, Locke Solutions understands that every successful project begins with one critical element: consistent, high-quality concrete. 

Producing custom precast products requires complete control over concrete quality. Unlike repetitive production environments, Locke frequently develops specialized mix designs tailored to architectural finishes, color requirements, strength specifications and unique project demands. Its engineering and quality assurance teams work together to create trial batches and verify that every mix meets customer specifications before production begins. That commitment to quality depends on reliable batching and mixing equipment.

Early in the company’s growth, Locke Solutions transitioned away from relying on ready-mix suppliers by partnering with Mixer Systems, Inc. to install its first batch plant and mixer. The investment gave the company complete control over production scheduling and concrete consistency, eliminating delays from late trucks and reducing the risk of receiving concrete that failed to meet specifications. More importantly, it allowed Locke to confidently produce custom mix designs on demand. 

That first 1.5-cubic-yard Mixer Systems planetary mixer has remained the heart of Locke’s Houston operation for more than a decade. When the company relocated to its permanent manufacturing facility, Mixer Systems worked closely with Locke’s engineering team to design a customized batch plant that fit inside a tight production space.  

The innovative layout features indoor aggregate storage, an underground conveyor system and a centrally located batch plant that efficiently supplies concrete throughout the facility while improving safety by keeping conveyors away from production personnel. The enclosed aggregate handling system also helps regulate material temperatures, supporting more consistent concrete production year-round. 

The partnership continued as Locke expanded into the Dallas-Fort Worth market. Working within another leased facility with limited space, Mixer Systems engineered a compact skid mount batch plant equipped with a horizontal shaft mixer that fit the building perfectly while allowing for future relocation as the company grows.  

Rather than recommending an entirely new system for every upgrade, Mixer Systems also helped modernize existing equipment with their E-150 advanced touchscreen batch control panel, making it easier to train operators, implement new mix designs and improve batching accuracy. 

Today, the Houston facility regularly produces approximately 100 cubic yards of concrete each day while manufacturing highly customized precast products for projects across the country. The dependable performance of Mixer Systems equipment allows the company to focus on engineering innovative solutions instead of worrying about production reliability.  

As Locke continues to grow, its long-standing partnership with Mixer Systems provides the flexibility, support and consistent concrete quality needed to deliver turnkey precast solutions for projects of every size. 

If you are interested in a customized batch plant solution for your unique operation, contact us today.