U.S. Precast Concrete Manufacturing Provides Steady Project Activity

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Written by Eric Funderburk for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

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Summary

Grassroot and expansion construction at plants to manufacture prefabricated concrete architectural and infrastructure products in the U.S. are providing a consistent source of construction activity.

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Key Structural Components

From bridge beams and concrete pipe to box culverts, stormwater structures and decorative features, precast concrete products are essential components of the nation's infrastructure and can also provide aesthetic elements to buildings and landscaping. Unlike concrete poured at the jobsite, precast products are ready for installation, allowing contractors to efficiently incorporate standardized and specialized components into large and small construction projects.

Manufacturers of these products continue to pursue grassroot and expansion projects across the U.S., adding production capacity to meet demand from infrastructure and construction markets. Industrial Info Resources data show several significant U.S. precast concrete manufacturing projects that represent a steady foundation of current and future construction activity.

Current Precast Concrete Construction Activity

Among the top U.S. projects in this sector that is approaching completion is Coastal Precast Systems's new grassroot plant in Clinton, South Carolina. The plant, expected to create about 70 jobs, will focus primarily on concrete components for marine and bridge infrastructure, aiming to supply the market in the U.S. Southeast. Coastal Precast began construction a little over a year ago and is expected to begin ramping up production in the coming weeks. Readers can access details of the project, including construction timelines, key contact details, and equipment and service needs, by clicking here.

Outside of the infrastructure sector, Escofet USA is constructing a new concrete products plant at a brownfield site in Elk City, Oklahoma, to manufacture architectural and urban-design products. Examples of Escofet's products include urban furniture such as benches and tables, paving products, and lighting and streetscape products. Architectural elements manufactured by the company include façade panels and concrete screens and lattices that can function as sunshades or canopies. The Elk City plant is Madrid-based Escofet's first facility in the U.S.

Upcoming U.S. Construction

Other projects are on the books for the future. Unistress Corporation, which is a major supplier of infrastructure components in the northeastern U.S., is preparing to expand its facility in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, by adding more than 15,000 square feet of new manufacturing space, along with two large overhead crane systems. Construction is expected to kick off in a year or so, putting the expansion on track for completion in 2028.

Another brownfield site will be developed in Lancaster, South Carolina, by Oldcastle APG, which is one of North America's leading manufacturers of concrete architectural building products and outdoor-living elements, including concrete blocks and pavers, retaining walls, hardscape products such as pavers and step components, and more. The company will redevelop a site formerly used for electrical equipment manufacturing, repurposing it for its range of concrete products.

Other grassroot projects in the sector are on the books for the U.S., and with more than 200 prefabricated concrete plants dotting the U.S., including dozens alone from Oldcastle, expansions and equipment additions are sure to remain a solid part of upcoming project activity.

Key Takeaways

• Industrial Info Resources data show several construction projects at U.S. plants making prefabricated concrete products that are underway or planned for the future.
• Prefabricated concrete elements can be used for infrastructure, architectural elements and hardscaping.
• North Carolina and South Carolina represent the strongest region for this construction, accounting for more than $190 million in current and future prefab concrete products projects.

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About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 trillion (USD).