Minnesota-based Wells Companies Inc. has significantly strengthened its architectural and structural building precast, prestressed concrete production capabilities, acquiring Gate Precast of Jacksonville, Fla. The transaction broadens the suitor’s reach from Midwest and Rocky Mountains markets to those in Mid-Atlantic to Texas coastal and neighboring states. Indeed, Wells grows to more than 20 locations across the United States with 14 production facilities and a payroll of 2,200. Gate Precast and Wells delivered precast, prestressed elements for more than 600 projects in 2023, representing upward of $4 billion in preconstruction client engagement.
With more than 110 years of combined experience, the partnership aligns two operators dedicated to innovation, solutions and services. Gate Precast and Wells have collaborated and shared best practice methodologies for years. Their combination, officials note, “creates a stronger future and continues the mission of transforming communities and inspiring pride in solutions and spaces.”
“Our relationship has grown stronger over 10 years and during that time, it has become very apparent that we share a consistent vision: Safety, focus on our people, quality products and services, and strong client relationships,” says Wells Companies CEO Dan Juntunen. “Our spirit of collaboration, shared strengths and opportunities to make our entire company even stronger is incredible.”
“Every day at Wells, we’re building the future—landmarks and gathering places—for businesses, careers, families, communities and greater prosperity,” adds Chairman Sam Nesius. “As we bring Gate Precast into the Wells family of employees, customers and shareholders, our capabilities and vision align perfectly.”
“This is an exciting step into building our future,” affirms Gate Precast President Dean Gwin. “We feel the synergies between our two companies—and our clients will as well—especially considering our years of benchmarking together. We’re confident that, together, we can serve our clients with industry-leading solutions and services no matter their location.”
WELLS APPOINTS LEGAL AND SAFETY CHIEF
Jennifer Jaskolka has joined Wells Companies as chief legal & safety officer. She is tasked with supporting one of the producer’s core values and helping ensure a safe, sound environment throughout Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, South Central and Rocky Mountain operations. Her background includes leadership positions overseeing health & safety, diversity & inclusion, ethics, compliance, litigation, risk management and mitigation, and legal operations.
“As we bring Jennifer onto the Wells executive team, we see significant opportunities with her national experience, personable approach, and blended background,” says Wells CEO Dan Juntunen. “As our company continues to grow, her role will be vital in ensuring our legal and safety standards continue to exceed industry regulations, set new benchmarks, and ultimately shape a safer and more sustainable future in construction.”
“I believe fostering inclusion and belonging in the workplace establish the trust and transparency required to help everyone feel safe,” adds Jaskolka. “With that foundation, our team members are more likely to bring diverse perspectives and challenges forward, and to engage in innovative problem-solving. My primary focus is building a best-in-class legal department and continuing the fantastic safety journey that Wells is already on.”