A cornerstone of the tank-building industry, the story of our third-generational family business began in 1964.
The Watco Journey
At Watco Tanks, we’re more than just a company — we’re a family. We’re proud to continue the tradition of hard work, dedication, and quality that has defined our business for three generations.
Founded in 1964 by James T. Watson in LaVernia, TX, Watco Tanks started with a single 210-barrel tank transported by pickup truck. By 1967, it became the 19th company with a national license to build vertical tanks under API 12F standards. In 1968, James’s son Wally joined, and the following year, they began fabricating single-wall underground storage tanks with a UL58 license.
1970
Above-Ground Storage Tanks
In 1970, Watco Tanks began fabricating aboveground fuel storage tanks with a unique UL142-approved skid tank design. By 1971, the fleet expanded to nine Mack trucks for deliveries across Texas. Watco was incorporated in 1972 and developed a custom decoiler machine in 1973 for unrolling steel coils. This is still in operation after processing over 850 million pounds of steel.
1980
Fiberglass Coating
In 1982, Watco Tanks pioneered fiberglass coatings for underground storage tanks, delivering the first to a Safeway in 1983. Operations moved to a 150-acre site in Floresville, TX, in 1985, expanding to over 300 acres by 2024. Joining the Steel Tank Institute in 1986, Watco now produces multiple STI technologies, with Wally serving on the Technical Committee for 30 years and David as Board President for two years.
1990
Summer Olympics
In 1991, Watco Tanks shipped tanks overseas to Mongolia and Iraq. In 1996, tanks were supplied for the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, GA. The following year, David Watson, Wally's son and James's grandson, joined the business.
2000
Permatank Fabrication
In 2001, Watco Tanks relocated to Floresville, Texas. In 2003, Watco hosted over 65 TCEQ regulators for a learning tour and has since provided training for entities like Edwards Aquifer and UL Inspectors. In 2008, Watco began fabricating Permatanks, incorporating several value-added engineering improvements, including a unique 14-gauge metal wrap with fiberglass coating, a first in the industry.
2010
Generations of Leadership
In 2011, Rhonda Watson, Wally's daughter, joined Watco Tanks. In 2018, Wally retired, with David Watson becoming President and CEO and Rhonda Watson Ainsworth becoming Vice President. The company was rebranded with a new logo in 2019.
2021
Top U.S. Producer of STI Technologies
Watco Tanks was recognized as the largest U.S. producer of STI Technologies in 2021 and the second-largest worldwide, with over 5 million gallons built in 2021 and over 6 million gallons each in 2022 and 2023.
2024
A Year of Milestones
In 2024, Watco Tanks celebrated two major milestones: being awarded 25 years of the STI Quality Award with a perfect inspection record, and honoring Andy "Blu" Morales as the first employee to reach 50 years of service, having started on July 25, 1974.
60 Years and Beyond
For 60 years, Watco Tanks has proudly upheld its legacy of excellence in steel tank manufacturing. As a third-generation family business, we continue to build on the strong foundation laid by our founders, delivering quality, innovation, and reliability.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to carrying forward our tradition of craftsmanship and customer service, ensuring that Watco Tanks remains a trusted name for generations to come.
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