Sources: Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport; CP staff
A two-year associate degree in concrete science technology will be offered in the fall 2018 semester through the Penn College School of Construction & Design Technologies. Presented as the East Coast’s only program of its kind, it will prepare students for success in concrete production and analytical evaluation.
Read MoreSource: Forta Corp., Grove City, Pa.
In conjunction with recently acquired VM Fiber Feeder Inc. assets, Forta will build out synthetic fiber concrete reinforcement offerings to include a patented fiber dispenser line. VM Fiber Feeder was established in 2003 with a goal of producing cost-effective and user-friendly fiber feeders and fiber for the volumetric concrete market. It quickly expanded with additional dispensers for synthetic fiber dispersion in concrete and asphalt production.
Read MoreSources: National Precast Concrete Association, Carmel, Ind.; CP staff
Following a rigorous review and documentation process, Arcom has elected to include NPCA Plant Certification in precast related content of the MasterSpec program, which the Salt Lake City firm operates for the American Institute of Architects. Architects and engineers use MasterSpec to create construction specifications and choose from prequalified certification programs; the change in precast concrete content will push NPCA certification into more contract documents.
Read MoreSource: American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, Mich.
After working with the Concrete Reinforcement Steel Institute since 2011 as a founding cosponsor, ACI is exclusively overseeing Adhesive Anchor Installer (AAI) certification. Developed in response to a National Transportation Safety Board request following a Boston Central Artery/Tunnel precast panel anchor failure, the certification program is now available in 40-plus locations.
Read MoreSources: Main Street Capital Corp., Houston; CP staff
Main Street Capital has announced an $18.6 million outlay combining first-lien, senior secured term debt and direct equity investment in Berlin, N.J.-based Boccella Precast LLC, a structural concrete products operator serving metropolitan New York, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic markets. The firm partnered with Ashland Capital Partners, Chicago, and Boccella management on the transaction.
Read MoreSources: Ozinga Ready Mix, Inc., Mokena, Ill.; CP staff
Continuing a Great Lakes market expansion north and east of its Chicago base, Ozinga RMC has closed on Indiana’s Eagle Ready-Mix, characterizing the family owned operator as rich in values and principles—and a perfect fit with its culture. The producer’s Goshen and Elkhardt sites join their new owner’s 11-plant business serving north central Indiana and southwest Michigan.
Read More