This month we are pleased to feature Concrete Systems Inc. as part of our Meet a Precaster blog series. The following answers have been provided by Mike Worden, President of Concrete Systems Inc. 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 director of communication, Kirk Stelsel.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Hudson, N.H. and Londonberry, N.H.
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: CSI has been in business since 1972.
Q: How long have you been a member of NPCA?
A: Since 1974.
Q: What are the best benefits of NPCA membership?
A: To establish and strengthen the relationships with our associate members who are so very important to our day-to-day operations and to to keep abreast of the latest developments, opportunities, and challenges within the precast concrete products industry. NPCA also allows us to have face-to-face exchanges with other precast producers regarding these issues, and sharing ideas is commonplace and beneficial to all of our efforts. It boils down to having a shared commitment to a common goal.
Q: What products do you produce?
A: Manholes and catch basins; Uwall, T-Wall, and L-wall retaining wall systems; box culverts; rigid frame bridge systems; CON/SPAN and BEBO bridge systems; box structures; commercial septic tanks; stormwater retention systems; median barrier; sound walls/noise barriers; bridge decks/slabs /abutments/wingwalls; headwalls; fire cisterns; grease traps; tunnels; electrical vaults; rail platforms/stations; custom structures.
Q: Have you been introduced to any new products lately?
A: Yes, we have introduced a new retaining wall system which we are quite excited about – “Uwall” – short for Universal Wall System. We feel it is a very uniquely engineered wall system which offers many competitive advantages, and features large standard precast modular block sections measuring 4 ft x 8 ft; and a smaller 2 ft x 8 ft standard section. We can also add up to three additional feet monolithically to our standard 4 ft x 8 ft sections for single course wall applications – or for any top course section. Setting 4 ft x 8 ft sections up to 7 ft x 8 ft sections allows the contractor to install the system very rapidly. We can also supply sloped top course sections to follow whatever grading may be required on site, instead of stepping the wall. This provides the owner with a nice clean angle and better aesthetics. We are in the process of licensing the Uwall System throughout North America.
Q: What are the top attributes of precast concrete?
A: Its inherent durability characteristics and speed of installation.
Q: What has your company done to fight off the recession?
A: Leadership and lean training for all managers and supervisors. We have worked very hard to find the right number of (best) employees and place them in the correct position to work as efficiently and effectively as possible. To borrow a phrase – we have done our best to keep no stone left unturned.
Q: What have you see in your area as far as recovery?
A: Not a whole lot yet. Some home building is starting again which is good to see, but we are fortunate to at least have some interstate highway work progressing nearby.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: We feel we have right-sized our companies and are in a very good position to grow the CSI Group of Companies. We are going to concentrate on finding some progressive companies who are leaders within their marketplace to partner with us and introduce the Universal Wall System while continuing to seek more DOT approvals. We are also going to roll out two or three more new products in 2013 which have licensing opportunities. However, our number one focus will always be: Keeping the main thing, the main thing.
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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