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The Louisiana National Guard kicked off construction on a new facility in Franklinton for an engineer unit to replace a decades-old armory that was damaged during Hurricane Isaac two years ago. Willis Construction is working with general contractor Frank Anzalone on the project.

Willis Construction, specializing in site prep and drainage projects, called QSM to secure product for this installation.

Willis provided all sitework, dirt work and drainage to the readiness center project. All told, this includes 60″ pipe, 54″ pipe and 36″ pipe — all reinforced concrete — and a unique, 60″ concrete headwall.

“We had this nice RCP headwall,” said Joey Willis. “The design of it provides slope so the dirt won’t ever cover the pipe. It’s an interesting product that was specified on this job, and we were happy to work with it during the installation.”

Willis says he also is very happy to work with QSM.

“I’ve been calling on Jonathan at QSM for many years,” says Willis. “He’s a great asset for my company. Always fast to get me what I need, always quick with an answer and reply to my questions. Communication is the key. It helps us have the confidence we need to make promises to our customers. Jonathan and QSM do a great job of communicating with me about deliveries, products and schedule updates.”

Sitework began last month, and is scheduled for completion at the end of March. Anzalone contractors will remain on site as the GC for this job.

“We really enjoy working with Anzalone, too,” says Willis. They’re a great group of guys who take action and work well together in the field,” he says.

The goal, for Willis Construction, was to provide storm drainage at the new National Guard Readiness Center in Franklinton, LA.

Willis Construction was founded in 1985. It’s a family run business specializing in commercial, civil construction throughout South Louisiana.

The readiness center, which will be the new home for about 115 soldiers assigned to the 843rd Engineering Company, according to the National Guard. The unit’s current facility was built in 1975.

The center will encompass more than 40,000 square feet at a cost of about $13 million, according to the National Guard. All construction is expected to be complete by March 2016.

Willis Construction ordered the following items from QSM:

  •  Reinforced concrete pipe (RCP)
  • RCP Concrete headwall
  • Frames and grates
  • Catch basins

Call QSM for reinforced concrete pipe, and for all your drainage needs in Louisiana.