ompleting large-scale complex industrial projects often requires the owner to overcome numerous technical and regulatory challenges. The ability to rely on a single company to meet many of those needs makes it much simpler for any contractor.
That’s where Anchorage-based Taku Engineering comes in. Over the past quarter-century, the company has grown into a powerhouse providing corrosion, mechanical, electrical and civil engineering; tank and piping design; inspections; and much more.
“Taku started with two guys providing project engineering and project management services to Alyeska [Pipeline Service Company] and providing corrosion engineering to other clients on the side,” says Taku President and General Manager Bill Mott. “Over the years, we morphed into a multi-discipline engineering firm with a subsidiary that provides fire and gas systems support. We’re also one of the preeminent tank and piping inspection companies in the state.”
Originally from Connecticut, Mott grew up dreaming of coming north to Alaska. “Alaska had big salmon and halibut and lots of wild, open spaces, so that was the initial draw,” he says.
After earning a double major in chemical and materials engineering from the University of Connecticut, he followed that vision and has lived in Alaska since coming up on a short-term assignment for Alyeska in 1990.
Once he joined Taku, Mott led the company’s growth into areas as diverse as oil and gas facilities, municipalities, construction contractors, and public utility projects.
The work has taken the team as far south and east as Metlakatla, as far north as Utqiaġvik, and as far west as Gambell and Shemya Island. A map of Alaska that hangs on the Taku office wall, with a pin representing each past project, looks like a pin cushion.
“We’ve completed a lot of oil and gas system modifications and expansions for operators and utilities. We assist the North Slope Borough with engineering support for their gas systems in Barrow and Nuiqsut,” Mott adds.
North Slope Borough Director of Environmental Management Jason Brune says Taku’s dependability has kept their relationship strong.
Brune observes, “Taku Engineering has been an outstanding partner to the North Slope Borough. Their tank inspection work is consistently thorough and well-documented, and their team is highly organized, professional, and easy to work with. They routinely meet or beat contract deadlines, and we’ve come to rely on their responsiveness and technical expertise.”
“The Port of Alaska is located in Cook Inlet, which is one of the most corrosive environments on the planet. Most of the freight entering our state passes through the port. The new docks are critical to Alaska’s future and important for the wellbeing of Alaska’s residents. These new structures need to last for 75 years or more. We’re proud to be protecting this critical infrastructure and to be helping to ensure that the port remains intact and effective for the next generations,” Mott says.
Mott says much of Taku’s ongoing work involves non-destructive testing techniques used to identify areas of thinning on tanks or piping. “If inspections indicate that patch repairs or more significant modifications are necessary, we’ll follow up—either make recommendations or develop the necessary designs and provide construction oversight of the repairs,” Mott says.
Despite working with many of Alaska’s largest corporations and municipalities, Mott says Taku’s size has helped it develop a sterling reputation. “We’re a small company,” he explains. “We understand that we are too small to survive a failure. We work hard to make sure that when we complete an inspection or project, the operator can be confident in the integrity and safety of their equipment.”