A century ago, in 1926, a small engineering team completed what would become Cementation Skanska’s first piling contract. A modest beginning that quietly set the stage for this enduring engineering legacy. That early project marked Cementation Skanska’s transition from its mining industry origins into the world of deep foundations, where it would go on to shape skylines, support infrastructure, and solve some of the most complex ground engineering challenges of the next hundred years.
Cementation Skanska was originally named Francois Cementation Company. Founded in 1910 to commercialise a pioneering high pressure grouting technique, the company quickly earned a reputation for innovation. Initially the founder, Albert Francois tendered for, secured and successfully completed a project to sink two shafts at Hatfield Colliery, using his cementation process.
It was not until 1926 that the second shaft at Thorne Colliery, South Yorkshire, was completed; sixteen years after work had begun on this epic contract. This year also marked the first piling contract for the company. Over the next few years a considerable investment was made in piling equipment, including the changeover from steam power to compressed air.
By the mid 20th century, Cementation Skanska’s expertise had expanded, in addition to piling, it added diaphragm walls, deep shafts, and large-scale foundation systems. It became known not only for technical excellence but for its ability to take on the difficult jobs that required ingenuity, precision, and a deep understanding of the ground beneath our feet.
Cementation Skanska’s evolution accelerated when it joined the Skanska family in 2001, bringing together two organisations with shared values and a commitment to building for a better society. Today, it delivers fully integrated foundation solutions, from digital design and steel fabrication to instrumentation and high capacity load testing.
Deon Louw, Divisional Director at Cementation Skanska, said: “As we celebrate 100 years since that first piling project, we honour the generations of people who made this legacy possible. Their skill, resilience, and pride in their craft have shaped the company’s identity and contributed to buildings and infrastructure that millions rely on every day. They’ve built more than foundations, they’ve built the Cementation Skanska family that I am very proud to be part of.”
The company has become known for taking on the tough challenges, the projects where the ground is unpredictable, the constraints are tight, and the stakes are high. From energy infrastructure like the award-winning South Clyde Energy Centre, major highways projects, A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme, to landmark buildings in the heart of London such as 2 Finsbury Avenue and 21 Moorfields, our work has quietly supported the nation’s progress.
Today, Cementation Skanska stands as a leader in sustainable, safe, and forward thinking foundation engineering.