This month we are pleased to feature Bartow Precast as part of our Meet a Precaster blog series. The following answers have been provided by Michael Tidwell, Bartow Precast President and NPCA Board Member.
Don’t forget to check out all of our Meet a Precaster blog posts and if you’re an NPCA producer member and would like to be featured in a future Meet a Precaster post, please send an email to NPCA’s assistant director of communication, Kirk Stelsel.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Cartersville, Ga.
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Since 1985
Q: How long have you been a member of NPCA?
A: Since 2002
Q: Why did you join NPCA and what are the best benefits?
A: While attending the trade show, we quickly realized the benefits of membership. We were interested in growing the company and saw a great opportunity to learn from so many others who were willing to share their experience and knowledge, and many times their production practices. Staff was very encouraging about our involvement and we immediately identified with the other members.
Q: What products do you produce?
A: Water utility vaults, electrical utility vaults, grease interceptors, septic tanks and storm shelters
Q: Have you introduced any new products lately?
A: Yes, electrical vaults and storm shelters
Q: What are the top attributes of precast concrete?
A: It’s tried and true. Our products are easily adaptable and can be customized to the customer’s needs. Our turn-around times are of great benefit to installers and contractors and the product is sustainable. What more can you ask for?
Q: What has your company done to fight off the recession?
A: We made great efforts to cut waste and real in the overtime that we relied on during the busier years to maintain customer expectations. We communicated these changes to our customers so they would partner with us instead of assuming our delivery service has suffered. We asked them for greater lead times to help us manage production over time, and we reduced our accounts receivable exposure by opening fewer term accounts and required more sales to be COD.
Q: What have you see in your area as far as recovery?
A: We are seeing some government spending, some commercial growth and a little residential growth.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: We have learned a lot from the recession, particularly the importance of diversification. We plan to promote our new product lines and maintain the conservative management we have relied on during these recent years.
The opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the member, and not of NPCA or any of its employees.
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