Lake Company is proud to be a part of Western Oilfields Supply
Company's continued excellence in the irrigation, liquid and
solid handling business. Western Oilfields Supply Company started
in 1934 by Charles Lake in Bakersfield, California. What initially
started as a business selling used oilfield equipment has now
grown to be an international company. Lake Company has offices
in California, Texas and Oregon. The following timeline illustrates
highlights and history of Western Oilfields Supply Company.
During the Depression in the 1930's WOSCO dealt in used pipe,
oilfield products and used boiler tubing. On the manufacturing
side, WOSCO manufactured water well casing and clothesline poles
in order to survive the hard times. They also handled drill
pipe repair and re-sleeving threaded oilfield tubular products.
In 1936, WOSCO moved to its present location on State Road
in Bakersfield.
During the 1940's the oilfields were booming and WOSCO's
attentions focused on the thriving agricultural industry that
was sweeping California. Irrigation pipe made from 30" pieces
of boiler tubing was the company's first agricultural product.
Hundred's of thousands were sold.
In 1948, the WOSCO Foundry began to produce its first aluminum
couplers and by 1969 WOSCO acquired an aluminum tube mill for
the manufacturing of six and eight inch aluminum mainline and
gated pipe.
The company continued to acquire tube mills to manufacture
tubing from 1 1/4 to 12 inch.
After World War II, Mr. Lake's sons joined the business full
time and began more expansion. International markets for WOSCO
products were found and construction and waste water reclamation
industries were explored.
In 1977, Charles Lake received the Irrigation Association's
Industry Achievement Award for developing the irrigation equipment
rental industry. That same year, Lake Company was established
to develop wholesale markets for quality irrigation products.
West Side Pump, a growing irrigation and pump company in
San Joaquin, California, was acquired by WOSCO in 1979.
In 1980 the company sold its first major drip irrigation
system composed of 13 million feet of drip hose.
Crown American, an irrigation and equipment manufacturing
plant in Eugene, Oregon, was acquired by WOSCO in 1981.
In 1982, Lake International Irrigation was organized to develop
irrigation projects in markets around the world.
The Lake family continues the strong tradition and commitment
set forth by Lake Company's founder, Charles P. Lake, who passed
away in 1988. The entire Lake family remains dedicated to Charles
Lake's vision of quality products and first rate service.
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