Nevada-based Jensen Precast has expanded its suite of products engineered specifically for the electric utility market, acquiring Shelton, Wash. fiberglass products manufacturer ProGlass Inc. A supplier to electric utility customers since the 1970s, Jensen Precast offers concrete vaults, polymer concrete handholes, and metal access hatches. Joining them are ProGlass utility vault covers; transformer, box or switchgear box pads; ground sleeves; splice boxes; and, looping enclosures. Their fiberglass construction affords ease of handling and installation; resistance to the effects of corrosive elements and the sun’s ultraviolet rays; structural integrity under challenging conditions, especially attributable to marine-grade gelcoat; and, nonconductive properties. Electrical contractor Jim Holland founded ProGlass 34 years ago in Gig Harbor, Wash., observing high fiberglass product demand in the electric utility industry.
“From the early days at Jensen Precast, we have strived to build products that work well for electric utility companies, often collaborating with them to get the exact designs for their precise applications,” says Jensen Precast CEO Eric Jensen. “Now with the purchase of ProGlass, we are continuing to invest in getting electric utility customers the products they need to conduct their businesses efficiently and effectively.”
“Our customers will have even more favorable choices for their equipment needs,” adds Utility Product Manager Sanna Schlosser. “We can now fit fiberglass covers onto precast concrete utility trenches and gain advantages for our customers both at grade level and underground without having to source another supplier.”
“Our products complement Jensen Precast products well,” affirms ProGlass General Manager Tim Bruhn, who joined the company in 2013. “We have a good product, and we’re pleased that Jensen Precast is ready to leverage it for even better customer value.”
TEAMSTERS REPRESENT PRECAST SPECIALITIES PRODUCTION CREWS
Workers at Precast Specialties, an Abingdon, Mass. producer of architectural or utility concrete structures and elements, have voted to join Teamsters Local 653 in South Easton, Mass. The union will represent a bargaining unit encompassing a variety of crafts, including carpentry, maintenance, quality control, batching, production, and loading.
“Teamsters Joint Council 10 and Local 653 made sure issues facing workers at Precast Specialties were addressed and that the workers were ready to form their union,” says Local 653 Secretary-Treasurer Mike Clark. “With the leadership of Joint Council 10 Secretary-Treasurer Tom Mari and work of Teamsters Organizer Bernardo Vicente, our new members are proudly part of a strong, historic union that will fight for them at all costs. These workers manufacture items that are used in buildings and landmarks throughout the country, and they deserve premier representation on the job. We are eager to work on and secure a fair first contract for this bargaining unit.”