PRODUCERS – DECEMBER 2019

The board of AltusGroup, Inc., a collaboration of over two dozen precast concrete innovators, has announced the election of Hagen Harker, president of Mid-States Concrete Industries, South Beloit, Ill., as its chairman. He will take over the position from High Concrete Group’s Dave Schneider and serve a two-year term, ending at the organization’s 2021 meeting. Rounding out the officer slate are Harry Gleich of Metromont Corp., re-elected as treasurer, and BASF’s Jason Pitcole, secretary.

The 2019 Altus Group Annual General Meeting also confirmed other board members: Brian Laufenberg and John Leatham of Chomarat NA; Peter Gay and Aaron Fink of Oldcastle Infrastructure; Lance Lorah and Dave Schneider of High Concrete Group; Tom Kelley of Gage Brothers Concrete Products; and, Andrew Levatte of Strescon Limited. Metromont’s Gary Lentz was re-elected technical committee chairman.

Since its 2003 inception, the AltusGroup partnership has grown from five to 17 producer member companies in North America, two international affiliates in Europe and nine Innovation Partners. Producer members have completed over 1,400 CarbonCast projects representing 45 million square feet of surface area on structural or architectural members. The group has also experienced accelerated market acceptance of the Arcis ultra-thin prestressed panels for rainscreen applications as well as the Graphic Concrete technology for imparting any image or design onto precast concrete faces.

Gossett Concrete Pipe Company, Inc. capped 75th anniversary observances at its new 14,000-sq.-ft. precast production facility in Taylors, S.C. The event saw presentation of service awards to two valued team members. Stanley Dogan (shown here on left), who has been with GCPC for over 15 years, was recognized for his dedication as a machine operator, while Sammy Carter (center) was recognized for 10 years as plant manager.

“We are proud to have both Stanley and Sammy on our team. Both of these men definitely deserve to be recognized for their many years of hard work,” said GCPC President Bo Gossett (right). “We look forward to many more years working with Stanley and Sammy, as well as GCPC’s many other outstanding employees that demonstrate dedication and contribute to the success of this company each and every day.”

The Orlando Economic Partnership has named Apopka, Fla.-based precast/prestressed producer and design-build specialist Finfrock as this year’s Schwartz Innovation Award recipient. Named for William C. Schwartz, a pioneer in laser technology who earned an honorary doctorate in Engineering Science from the University of Central Florida, the award recognizes companies that create, develop and implement innovative products, ideas and processes contributing to central Florida region competitiveness.

The first Schwartz Award recipient in construction, Finfrock is known for breakthroughs in technology solutions that increase efficiency, productivity and profitability of precast/prestressed concrete producers. Its proprietary DualDeck building system, innovative 3D modeling methods, product tracking software and implementation of laser technology for greater dimensional accuracy and improved productivity have positioned the producer as a construction industry disruptor. Finfrock is one of central Florida’s largest employers and has more than quadrupled in size in the past three years, loading a robust portfolio of commercial buildings in the hotel, student housing, multifamily residential, mixed-use and office sectors.

“Being recognized by the Orlando Economic Partnership with the Schwartz Innovation Award is a tremendous achievement,” says CEO Allen Finfrock. “As a company, we have continually strived to advance our operations and the construction industry through innovative technology and lean manufacturing methods. It is rewarding to know that our efforts have made a significant impact on our industry as well setting a new standard for what project owners expect from design-build firms.”

“Three generations of the Finfrock family have led the company, continuing a legacy of developing revolutionary new building systems and improved processes that have benefited countless companies and organizations in our region,” adds Orlando Economic Partnership CEO Tim Giuliani.