Rastra Opens Second Icf Plant

Rastra Corp. of Scottsdale, Ariz., has opened a second plant in Albuquerque, N.M., specializing in the company’s stay-in-place, insulated concrete form

Rastra Corp. of Scottsdale, Ariz., has opened a second plant in Albuquerque, N.M., specializing in the company’s stay-in-place, insulated concrete form system. The facility is beginning with a single shift and payroll of 10, with plans for additional staff and second shift later this year.

The Rastra building system is the ultimate answer for economical and environmentally effective construction, company officials contend. The stay-in-place concrete form system is produced from recycled foam plastic and cement paste. It has a high insulation value and is resistant to fire, frost and other climate influences. Like other ICF systems, the Rastra elements are simply stacked and once one level is placed, the cells are filled with concrete, which lends the wall its structural stability. The blocks can be cut and shaped with most woodworking tools, although Rastra officials note that an electric chainsaw is optimal.