This month we are pleased to
feature Barger and Sons as part of our Meet a Precaster blog series. The following answers have been provided by Eric Barger, Vice President of Barger and Sons.
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: Lenoir City, Tenn. (where I-40 and I-75 meet)
Q:How long have you been in business?
A: My grandfather’s, grandfather started the family business around 1952.
Q:How long have you been a member of the NPCA?
A: Since 2005
Q:What are the best benefits of the NPCA membership?
A: Making friends with fellow precasters who you can call for advice and guidance and in return help them when they need it.
Q:What products do you produce?
A: Manholes, catch basins, box culvert, end walls, radiation barrier products, retaining walls, septic tanks, grease
interceptors, fire cisterns, boat ramp planks, electrical vaults, custom structures, parking bollards, light pole bases, storm shelters, storm water retention, and custom products.
Q:Have you introduced to any new products lately?
A: Light pole bases. The ease of installation and reduction in safety issues has been a big hit with contractors in the area.
Q:What are the top attributes of precast concrete?
A: Speed of installation. Longterm durability.
Q:What has your company done to fight off the recession?
A: We diversified at the beginning of 2009, helping to ensure our eggs were not in one basket. Our pricing philosophy ensures we are a profitable company. One example is adding freight charges to our invoices. It is one way we have combated the increase in fuel prices. Freight is a service, therefore we should charge for it and that is a different way of thinking compared to 5 years ago when we included freight in the cost of product.
Q:What have you seen in your area as far as recovery?
A: Not much. We are fortunate to have loyal customers and to have diversified in 2009 to offset the lagging economy.
Q:What are your plans for the future?
A: The fifth generation of this company is young. The management team and staff are young. Becoming involved on the local level, creating stronger relationships with our customers, continuing to improve our management skills, and focusing on quality products will guide our path into the future.
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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