Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Concrete and Aggregate Solutions in Virginia
Essex Concrete has been a trusted provider of construction materials since 1965. Founded by William 'Billy' Cooke, our family-owned business has grown from a small concrete plant to a leading supplier with seven strategically located facilities across Virginia. We specialize in delivering high-quality ready-mix concrete, Pumpcrete, sand, and gravel products tailored to meet diverse construction needs. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our state-of-the-art Command Alkon Technology Software, ACI-certified management team, and continuous expansion to better serve residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.With over five decades of industry experience, we maintain rigorous quality control standards while prioritizing customer satisfaction through personalized service and technical expertise. Our operations now include four concrete pump trucks to address challenging job site requirements, ensuring we provide comprehensive solutions for every project. From our original Tappahannock location to our modern plants in Aylett, Rockville, and beyond, we remain dedicated to supplying materials that meet exacting industry specifications while maintaining our founding principles of integrity and reliability.
Services
Ready-Mix Concrete
Pumpcrete Delivery
Sand & Gravel Supply
Concrete Pumping
Aggregate Materials
Mortar Sand
Washed Gravels
Driveway Gravel
Landscaping Materials
Riprap Supply
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1965 with seven strategically located Virginia production facilities
- ACI-certified management team ensuring industry-leading technical expertise
- State-of-the-art Command Alkon Technology Software for precise batching
- Four specialized concrete pump trucks for challenging job site access
- Comprehensive quality control with over 50 years of mix design experience
Associations and certifications
- American Concrete Institute (ACI)
Services
Ready-Mix Concrete
Our ready-mix concrete solutions combine precision engineering with quality materials. Available in multiple strength grades from 50 psi flowable fill to 12,000 psi structural mixes, our products meet exact project specifications. With seven production facilities across Virginia and advanced batching technology, we ensure consistent quality and timely delivery for residential foundations, commercial developments, and infrastructure projects.
Pumpcrete Delivery
Our specialized Pumpcrete service provides efficient concrete placement for challenging sites. With 38-47 meter vertical reach capabilities and 108-135 foot horizontal reach, our pump trucks access difficult locations without manual labor. This solution reduces project timelines while maintaining material integrity for complex pours in urban or restricted access areas.
Sand & Gravel Supply
Aylett Sand & Gravel offers a comprehensive selection of aggregates for construction and landscaping. Our inventory includes mortar sand, concrete sand, washed gravels, and specialty products like riprap for shoreline protection. Available in various grades from #10 dust to 21-A stone, our materials meet both functional requirements and aesthetic needs for driveways, landscaping, and infrastructure projects.
Concrete Additives
We provide specialized concrete additives to optimize performance characteristics. Our offerings include superplasticizers for increased workability, accelerators for cold weather pours, and fibers for crack resistance. These scientifically formulated admixtures improve durability, strength, and placement efficiency while meeting environmental standards through sustainable components like fly ash.
Commercial Concrete
Our commercial concrete solutions serve large-scale developments including shopping centers, schools, and office buildings. With capacity to support high-volume pours and specialized mix designs for VDOT projects, we combine technical expertise with logistical efficiency. Our seven plants ensure reliable supply for major infrastructure initiatives across central and eastern Virginia.
People
William Billy Cooke
Founder
Founded Essex Concrete in 1965 after identifying market gaps while working at Southside Bank. Transformed a manual batch plant into a multi-facility operation, establishing industry standards for quality and customer service.
Keith Cooke
Executive
Joined the company in 1976, contributing to strategic expansion that added multiple production facilities. Instrumental in developing the Aylett Sand & Gravel operation and modernizing concrete batching technology.
Kent Cooke
Executive
Became full-time employee in 1976, overseeing operational growth and quality control systems. Played key role in establishing seven production plants and implementing advanced concrete mixing technologies.
Questions
What concrete strength options do you offer?
We provide mixes ranging from 50 psi flowable fill to 12,000 psi structural concrete, including standard 3000, 3500, and 4000 psi residential grades.
Do you deliver outside regular business hours?
Our dispatchers are available during standard business hours, with emergency delivery arrangements possible through our 24/7 contact system.
What sets your Pumpcrete service apart?
Our pump trucks offer 38-47 meter vertical reach with specialized systems for challenging pours, eliminating manual concrete transport requirements.
Can I get customized concrete mixes?
Yes, our technical team creates project-specific designs with additives like accelerators, superplasticizers, and fibers to meet unique performance needs.
What aggregate sizes are available?
We stock #10 dust through 21-A stone, including specialty products like riprap, brown aggregates, and crushed concrete for various applications.
How do you ensure concrete quality?
We use Command Alkon Technology Software for precise batching and maintain ACI-certified management overseeing 50+ years of quality control expertise.