On July 17, 2019 in Denver, Pennsylvania, the High Concrete Group, LLC broke ground on a major revitalization of its precast concrete production facilities. The investment in new equipment, processes and construction will completely overhaul operations on its 148-acre headquarters campus in a bid to grow the company’s presence and influence in the world of architectural precast concrete.
Scheduled for completion in mid-2020 at a cost of approximately $8 million, the project is expected to result in 50 to 70 new jobs, and as much as $50 million per year in local revenue when the plant operates at full capacity.
This manufacturing revitalization is just their latest innovation. Earlier this year, High Concrete Group partnered with Four Seasons Produce in nearby Ephrata, Pennsylvania—with support from the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA) and Commuter Services of Pennsylvania—to provide low-cost transportation for employees at the High Concrete plant in Denver from Lancaster City.
Architectural precast includes structural and non-structural walls, cladding and panels used as facades for commercial and institutional buildings. Recent examples of High’s architectural work include the new Statue of Liberty Museum which opened in May 2019, and the award-winning 1200 Intrepid office building in the revitalized Philadelphia Navy Yard.
This infographic details High Concrete Group’s manufacturing revitalization of its headquarters production facility.
“High is recognized for world-class leadership in architectural precast,” said John Seroky, High Concrete Group’s president. “This strategic initiative will bring increased capacity and efficiencies that enable us to serve more customers better. And it signals our commitment to invest in technology that keeps High at the forefront of innovation in the precast market. We are also proud that this initiative will lower our carbon footprint and improve work conditions for our co-workers.”
High has long been known for their structural precast work for parking garages. While the company will continue to serve its structural markets, the project relocates its architectural precast operations into its largest production building. This should streamline operations and provide space for future growth.
“After extensive global research, we are utilizing the latest technology available,” said Sean Dixon, the firm’s plant maintenance asset manager. “The technology we are using for batching, mixing and color systems is the best available in the world for architectural precast producers.” Dixon explained that systems feeding the new mixers will increase the number and variety of aggregates available for architectural mixes, and that new storage areas will improve quality and repeatability.
“The architectural community is demanding high-performing building enclosures. Durable, resilient and energy-efficient architectural precast meets this need,” said Bob Pabst, vice president of sales for High Concrete Group.
The company will move its structural forms to the building formerly occupied by its architectural operations while maintaining structural capacity at the company’s current volume. A new structural batch plant and related construction will allow for a future “bullet” delivery system reducing batch-to-form times.
Featured photo (courtesy of High Concrete Group) shows High Concrete Group leaders and community officials breaking ground on the revitalization of its headquarters production facility. Pictured, left to right: Scott Russell, East Cocalico Township Manager; Jeff Sterner, President and CEO, High Industries, Inc.; Mike Shirk, CEO, the High companies; Sean Dixon, Maintenance Manager, High Concrete Group LLC; Paula Crowley, Board President, the High companies; Phoenix Rann, Vice President Operations, High Concrete Group LLC; S. Dale High, Chair Emeritus, the High companies; J. Seroky, President, High Concrete Group LLC; Alan Fry, Chair, Board of East Cocalico Township Commissioners; Josh Parsons, Chair, Lancaster County Commissioners.