Concrete is incredibly durable, and holds many advantages over other building products, starting with how it is made. Delivered in a plastic state, concrete can be molded to practically any shape, from simple, straight sections to massive, molded blocks or elaborate curves. Concrete’s ability to be coloured, painted, or textured makes it ideal for everything from sidewalks to skyscrapers to bridges. Much more fire- and noise-resistant than wood, concrete is also ‘forgiving’ and can be mixed with industrial waste materials like slag and ground-up tires that would otherwise end up in landfill. And even after a building has outlived its lifespan and is demolished, concrete is pulverized and reused to make aggregate for future projects.

Unlike wood, concrete requires little maintenance. High thermal mass properties mean concrete structures absorb heat during the day and release it at night, reducing heating and cooling expenses. And unlike wood, concrete can withstand animal and insect infestations, and stands up better to high winds, floods, and fires.

Concrete keeps evolving, becoming stronger, longer-lasting, and more environmentally friendly. Of course, no building material is perfect. Cast-in-place concrete projects in particular—especially large-scale works like dams and bridges—necessitate years of experience and high upfront costs. As a less expensive option, some builders are opting for precast concrete.

Commonly used to create road barriers, walls, and even entire structures, precast concrete is popular for many reasons. Since sections are factory-made in molds, they are uniform in size, shape, strength, and weight. Unlike concrete molded on site, precast is already cured; it does, however, require transportation to job sites, and experience in setting sections precisely in place.

Along with strength, versatility remains one of concrete’s greatest assets. New concrete products and methods of application are often introduced to the construction industry, from 3D-printed concrete to self-healing concrete.

A bold new way of using the material, 3D-printed concrete (c3Dp or 3DCP) is used to create everything from housing to multi-storey buildings and street furniture. Fast and versatile, the technology has actually been around for a long time. Created by inventor William Urschel, the first 3D-printed concrete structure was unveiled in Indiana in 1939.

Today, 3D printing incorporates robotics, computer-aided design (CAD), digital models, and automation to pump concrete resembling soft-serve ice cream into simple and complex shapes. Buildings are created layer-by-layer; unlike subtractive technology, where layers of material are removed, additive technology like 3D printing results in far less waste, making it cost-effective and capable of producing unique shapes. And such structures can be created quickly. In recent years, the technology has expanded beyond 3D concrete printed houses to include fountains and even bridges, such as IAAC’s 3D Printed Bridge, the world’s first 3D-printed concrete pedestrian bridge, located in the urban park of Castilla-La Mancha in Alcobendas, Madrid.

Recent years have welcomed not only faster and less labour-intensive applications but also stronger and more sustainable concrete, such as lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC). Originating from natural materials such as volcanic pumice, clay, and shale, or industrial by-products like fly ash, LWAC has been around for more than a century but is now becoming popular for bridges, piers, high-rise buildings, and other purposes where weight is a key consideration. For additional strength, LWAC is sometimes used with glass fibre-reinforced polymer rebar, or GFRP. Unlike regular rebar, GFRP is more resistant to corrosion, and ideal for marine structures.

Along with lighter concrete, other innovative advances are making builders take notice, like Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC). Comprising about 80 percent regular concrete, UHPC is mixed with fibres, some having the strength of polyester or stainless steel. The result: extremely durable concrete requiring far less maintenance, and with a much longer lifespan than its traditional counterpart. First used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about 40 years ago, UHPC is increasingly used for precast concrete piles, seismic bridge retrofits, and pre-stressed girders and precast bridge deck waffle panels. As a further testament to its popularity, the global market for UHPC is booming, with an estimated Compound Annual Growth Gate (CAGR) of 8.3 percent from 2019 to 2024.

Not to be outdone, another popular product is self-healing concrete (SHC). Regular concrete is prone to surface cracks and bends after it is poured, and ancient Romans first noticed that adding limestone-producing bacteria to the mix helped bind mortar and aggregates.

About 20 years ago, Prof. dr. H.M. (Henk) Jonkers, a Dutch microbiologist, developed a modern self-healing concrete. What sets today’s SHC apart from other self-healing concrete is the type of bacteria species used, specifically Bacillus pseudofirmus and B. cohnii. These species consume oxygen, which prevents air from entering concrete and corroding rebar. Able to last hundreds of years, SHC is well-suited for structures that are costly to repair and need to be long-lasting, such as bridges and tunnels. For its many advantages, there are a few drawbacks to SHC; the bacteria will not thrive in all environments, specialized labour is needed, and the price of SHC is about double that of conventional concrete.

Other recent innovations include translucent concrete such as LiTraCon, developed in 2001 by Hungarian architect Áron Losonczi working with scientists at the Technical University of Budapest. Based on nano-optics, or nanophotonics, light is transmitted via optical fibers from one side of a surface to the other side. The thinner the concrete, the more light is transmitted. Instead of concrete appearing heavy and imposing, such concrete takes on a translucent, glowing quality.

Light-emitting cement, meanwhile, is a phosphorescent cement that can be used to illuminate highways, bike paths, and buildings without the use of electricity, developed by Dr. José Carlos Rubio Ávalos, a researcher at the University of Saint Nicholas of Hidalgo in Mexico. The product contains light-emitting ‘glow in the dark’ pigments and, when mixed with traditional cement, sand, gravel, and water, is poured into molds and cured. Buildings, roads, or structures made with this cement absorb solar energy during the day and emit it during the night for around 12 hours.

As the concrete industry continues to innovate, new developments can be explored and shared at one of its biggest forums, the World of Concrete (WOC) expo, the sector’s only annual international event focused on the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries. The next instalment of WOC will take place January 20^th to 22^nd in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the educational portion starting on January 19^th. With educational programs, interactive workshops, hands-on training, and plenty of exhibitors, attendees can enjoy product categories on everything from aggregates, cement plants, and coatings to drones, finishing tools, equipment, and much more.

An ancient material, concrete is nonetheless far from static. From 3D printing and self-healing formulations to translucent and light-emitting varieties, each new development takes the industry further and addresses unique challenges or needs. What began as a simple mix of cement, water, and aggregates has evolved into one of the most dynamic materials shaping our built environment. With ongoing research and events like World of Concrete driving collaboration and discovery, the future of construction isn’t just built on concrete—it’s being reimagined by it.

The post Performing Under Pressure<p class="company">The Case for Concrete</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

With a four-hour burn rating, high water resistance, and the ability to withstand 250 mph winds, one can see why this method is becoming increasingly popular in response to climate change. As they also offer significant noise reduction, ICFs are ideal for high-traffic areas and highly populated urban centres.

These are all reasons why Habitat for Humanity is pro-ICF construction in the Oklahoma region and beyond. “Insulated concrete form homes have built-in protection from tornado and wind-related damage, wildfires, and earthquakes—all of which are known to affect Oklahoma,” reads the organization’s Rose Rock website.

Owing to these characteristics, global indicators for the sector are impressive. Intel Market Research noted in September this year that the world’s residential market for ICFs was valued at USD 655 million last year. Moreover, by 2031, it is predicted to reach USD 994 million. With reports by ICF Today indicating figures as high as 26,400 to 41,250 homes built using this method between 2022 and 2025 in the United States and Canada alone, the adoption of this technology has been long in the making.

The first ICFs were Durisol blocks, a product introduced to the construction industry by Swiss innovators August Schnell and Alex Bosshard in 1937. This came before the onset of WWII, registering the patent in Holland in 1932. The innovation is said to have been spurred by the need for fast, mainly unskilled construction to provide for the urgent housing needs of people following the geopolitical ravages of WWI which left many homeless and countless cities in complete disarray.

Originally made from wood fiber suspended in a cement substrate, Durisol would be followed by its next iteration, expanded foam-based ICF, in 1966, when Canadian contractor Werner Gregori was awarded his patent in March of that year. Gregori provided his chemical innovation with a wire mesh that added a level of fire safety. Whether made from recycled wood or polystyrene, these hollow blocks are stacked, much like toy blocks, reinforced with steel rebar and concrete, and finished according to design requirements.

With pollution an ever-present problem, using polystyrene soon became a growing problem. Today, in a world where environmental safety is a growing concern, it is heartening for those looking to lighten their environmental footprint to discover that wood-fiber ICFs are still actively fabricated and used in North America. The most notable manufacturer remains the original, Durisol, which is now selling the product under the Nexcem brand. As a purely recycled waste-wood alternative to chemical-based blocks, these affordable blocks offer high performance and durability while being energy-efficient, insulating, and structurally sound. They are based on the original wood-and-concrete mixture better known as Woodcrete these days, and experts cite breathability and lightweight strength as just two of the material’s other attributes.

Whichever material is used, there are a few pluses to using this method. Firstly, it is fast. Secondly, building with ICFs gives homeowners confidence that the final structure will rate well in thermal bridging, air-tightness, and, as a result, insulation. Price naturally also enters into the equation. Costs can vary depending on the finishes used, so it is not a given that building with ICF is always cheaper. What can be cheaper when executed correctly, however, are such buildings’ operational costs following construction, with their utility bills reported to be lower due to higher insulation levels.

While polystyrene has its benefits, its negatives are considerable and therefore important to consider. Due to the high costs involved in the process, polystyrene is rarely recycled. In fact, the sole company in the United States that chemically recycled polystyrene, breaking it down into its simplest form, Regenyx, shut its doors at the end of 2024 after successfully achieving the objectives defined in its five-year formation agreement. Now, only a few facilities remain that handle the process mechanically and sell the material on to firms in need of packaging and other applications.

The material is also known for not biodegrading but rather turning into microplastics that leach chemicals into the environment once such buildings are eventually torn down and dumped in landfills. The material also contains styrene, a chemical proven to cause hearing loss, and memory and concentration challenges, beyond also being a carcinogen. While it may be safely sequestered while encased in concrete, the end-of-life process of buildings that are torn down cannot be ignored and must therefore be seriously considered.

An alternative to wood and polystyrene that comes to mind is mycelium—the fungal networks that mushrooms sprout from. Sylvi Vogel at Open Range Custom Builders believes this could be an ideal solution: “Various studies and tests comparing the thermal properties of mycelium bricks and panels with insulation materials like fiberglass have shown that mycelium has a high thermal capacity, with an R-Value of at least 3 or 4 per inch, and have also found it to be highly fire resistant,” she wrote in an article on the subject in 2023.

Vogel also mentions cyanobacteria, a bacterium that is currently being researched for its potential in creating Earth-friendly bioplastics and foams that could one day help eliminate the toxicity factors presented by styrene.

While products like building blocks that double as decoration are available on the internet, the technology appears to remain prohibitively expensive for commercial use at this point. As adoption grows, however, one can only remain hopeful that this situation will change, making hollow mycelium blocks a commercial construction reality.

And while science catches up with ecological concerns, traditional ICF construction continues. In the meantime, we continue keeping an eye on Earth-friendly alternatives that could help contractors pivot and adapt to new ways of expanding this outstanding, proven building method across the continent and beyond.

The post Rethinking ICFs<p class="company">The Push for Greener, More Resilient Building Blocks</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Silvi Materials operates a network of concrete plants, gravel and sand reserves, mining operations, rock quarries, and a barge terminal in both New Jersey and its home state of Pennsylvania. The company’s main customers are construction firms, contractors, government agencies, landscapers, and concrete manufacturers, and this vertically integrated firm also offers transloading and stevedore services, maintains warehouses, and operates commercial real estate.

Now, Silvi Materials has become a lot bigger. In a deal finalized this summer, the company acquired the assets and operations of Eagle Rock Concrete, a leading ready-mix concrete producer based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The newly acquired firm will now bear the name Eagle Rock Concrete, a Silvi Materials Company.

“We’re letting them run as a separate business, while reporting up to our headquarters in Fairless Hills,” explains Co-President Larry Silvi II. “We’ll be employing our best practices with them. We’re basically sitting back and watching how they do business before we implement any changes. We feel they do some things that we could learn from, and we’ve got some things they could learn from.”

Eagle Rock’s assets include nine high-production ready-mix plants, one greenfield, and 115 ready-mix trucks, most of them less than two-and-a-half years old. Thanks to the acquisition, Silvi Materials has gone from roughly 800 employees to nearly 1,000. The deal drastically expands the company’s market reach in the Southeast and enhances its regional logistics network for slag and cement distribution as well.

“I would say we’re very acquisitive,” says Silvi. “We are looking to continue to grow and expand, organically and through acquisitions.”

Indeed, Silvi Materials has also been on an organic growth spurt as of late. This fall, the company announced that it is building an import terminal at a deep water port in Morehead City, North Carolina. Once completed, the facility will feature a pair of 100,000-ton storage domes and specialize in Type I/II low-alkali cement and Grade 120 slag. Designed to receive overseas cement shipments while offering trucking and rail loadout, the terminal is expected to be in operation in the fourth quarter of 2027. Significant as the Eagle Rock acquisition is, “Our plan to build a deep water import terminal in North Carolina is as big, if not an even bigger financial commitment,” notes Silvi.

At present, the company is operating a temporary cement rail loadout site in Morehead City. This facility is receiving rail loads of cement from the company’s premier cement terminal based in Bristol, Pennsylvania.

Against this backdrop, the company also recently opened a new RexCon Mobile 12 concrete batch plant in Newark, New Jersey. Installation of the Newark plant was managed by an internal construction team, and the project included site grading, the installation of a mobile central-mix batch system, setting up trailers, and building on-site stockpile bins for aggregate.

Open since March of this year, the RexCon plant is strategically situated near Jersey City, the New Jersey Turnpike I-78, and Routes 1 and 9. With a capacity of 180 yards of concrete an hour, the plant can support an array of concrete mixes including foundational footings and high-strength applications. The RexCon facility complements an existing Silvi Materials site in East Newark, New Jersey and will be matched by more new branches down the road.

These days, Silvi Materials’ admirable work ethic and emphasis on quality is getting noticed. The company recently won the prestigious 2025 Excellence in Concrete Award for High Rise Construction from the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter of the American Concrete Institute (EPDACI). The team received this honor at a May 1 ceremony in recognition of its contributions to the construction of a 31-story concrete apartment building in Philadelphia. Silvi Materials provided ready-mix concrete for the building, which contains over 270 apartment units and five penthouse floors containing private balconies.

“To control heat of hydration, the foundation was poured using a custom 50 percent slag mix and a detailed thermal control plan,” explains a company press release. “From there, Silvi provided concrete for all vertical and horizonal structural elements.”

These achievements represent new milestones for a firm that was originally founded in 1947 by Laurence Silvi Senior. Over the decades, the team has taken on a slew of high-profile projects including the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, and JFK Airport. Growth has been so significant in recent years that the company is looking to expand its corporate headquarters, a project expected to break ground next year.

Yet for all its success, the company leaders have not neglected the fun side of the business. When we spoke, Larry was excited to discuss a brand-new company concrete mixer outfitted in a striking Kelly green that matches the iconic throwback uniforms of the Philadelphia Eagles, as Silvi Materials has a partnership deal with the Eagles, who won the 2025 Superbowl.

In the midst of all this recent growth, Silvi Materials has also been undergoing significant internal changes including a massive IT infrastructure update. The update entails an overhaul of the firm’s customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) programs and is nearly complete. “Even though it was a long journey with a lot of bumps on the road, we’re on the one-yard line. When we first started this, one of the implementing companies said, ‘this is like ripping your central nervous system out of your body and putting in a new one.’ They were right,” Silvi says.

The IT overhaul fits with Silvi Materials’ technological and ecofriendly ethos. The firm has embraced a paperless office concept to reduce waste and established a cutting-edge e-ticket system that is centered on computer tablet data, not paper invoices. This high-tech mindset is also evident in company plans to establish a rail terminal in Ohio. Once operational, the terminal will have a rated capacity of 250,000 tons of cement a year and offer around-the-clock unattended loading in a process already in place at other facilities run by the company. “If you want to pick up a load on Christmas Eve at 9 p.m. and you’re registered and in the system, you can do it.”

The process runs as follows: a truck fitted with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag pulls up at a company site. Camera systems take photos of the license plate and the driver. The driver’s credentials are run through the company database, and they enter a code that authorizes the emission of a certain volume of cement. When this level is reached, the driver receives an e-ticket which they sign for and then “he’s on his merry way,” Silvi explains.

Futuristic as this process might seem, it is comparable to filling up a car tank with gas at a self-serve station. The new plant will be based in central Ohio and should be operable “by the second quarter of 2026,” he says.

There are also discussions about using artificial intelligence (AI) to augment truck and equipment inspections. “You could set up a shed where you drive a truck or a piece of machinery through it, and AI takes a series of pictures and evaluates whether you’ve got worn hoses, whether you’ve got oil leaks, whether the piece of equipment is clean or not.” Plant managers currently do such inspections manually.

Significant proposed AI initiatives will have to wait until the company’s IT infrastructure is fully updated, however. “Once we get our ERP up and running, then we’ll go out and start evaluating different AI companies,” Silvi shares. “We’re thinking second half of 2026.”

Going forward, there are no plans to alter the company’s ownership status. Being a family-run business has worked for nearly 80 years, and company leaders see little reason to deviate from this path.

Indeed, Larry Silvi II forecasts a very bright future for the company. “I see us branching out further,” he says. “We’ll evaluate every opportunity as it comes up, based on population growth, ease of doing business, taxes, and labor.”

The post Cementing the Future<p class="company">Silvi Materials </p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Boasting remarkable power—up to 400 hp—with an impressive number of variants, the company’s pumps can easily manage heavy concrete loads and are uniquely effective and user-friendly. With pumps such as the 65-meter Z fold, the 40-meter roll fold, the 38-meter Z boom, the CML-100 HF truck-mounted, and the 40-meter Z-R fold, clients can find exactly what concrete pump they need for whatever project they’re tackling.

From high-rises, to infrastructure projects such as road and bridge building, to precast production, and even residential projects that include laying concrete for patios and driveways, Concord’s products, which include more than 1,700 machines currently in operation, save time and money by dispensing concrete exactly where needed, providing a perfect fit for the production process with prompt and consistent deliveries that allow clients to maintain their schedules without stress.

“In today’s construction landscape, uncertainty has become the norm,” says Vice President Lino Flores. “Across North America, contractors and builders are facing headwinds that range from increasing tariffs and material costs to a general slowdown in new projects. At Concord Concrete Pumps, we recognize the weight of these challenges because we’re feeling them too.”

As a company serving clients across both Canada and the United States, Concord understands what its partners are going through, toiling in the same trenches, navigating this shifting economy, and working tirelessly to meet expectations even as the playing field continues to change.

“One of the most pressing issues impacting our industry right now is the surge in tariffs, particularly on imported steel and essential components,” says Flores. “These increased costs ripple through every corner of the construction industry, inflating prices and forcing difficult decisions for contractors and suppliers alike.”

Of course, the correct tools can make or break a construction project, but Concord offers more than just concrete pumps. It provides durability, strength, and industrial knowledge, with 45 years of experience in the concrete industry and more than 25 years of experience creating its own equipment, so the team perfectly understands what it takes to work well under duress.

Embracing the aim of creating “operator-friendly” machines that are safer and longer-lasting, Concord’s boom pumps and placing booms function flawlessly in the field under all conditions, with increased worker safety and greater operational cost reductions for clients as top priorities. How does Concord leverage its new technology to reduce operating costs and save money? To the user, it is incredibly economical and will cost less to operate than the competition, but the real value doesn’t end there, because Concord pumps have achieved yet another feat: the demand for older, used units is outstanding, and, consequently, so is their resale value.

With machines that are made with more steel than their competitors, designed to be safe, and backed by a workforce that is aware of the demands of your work site, the company brings together the best people, best engineering, best hydraulics, and best steel. However, creating an industry-leading concrete pump at Concord requires more than just the parts; it also requires the strength of Concord’s people, the ingenuity and commitment that go into each machine, all aiming at producing dependable, high-quality concrete boom pumps that yield solid results.

The company continues to take great pride in being the go-to option for leading builders and concrete pumping contractors worldwide, continually striving for new ideas, attending to its clients’ needs, and creating long-lasting machinery. Concord has pushed boundaries since the beginning, introducing the first 40-meter boom pump on a three-axle vehicle in 2003 and winning a Construction Equipment Top 100 Award in 2006 for introducing the first 65-meter boom pump in the world. In fact, that original device is still in use today.

And when it comes to the company policy of “quality without compromise,” Concord stays true to its mission. “Despite the rising costs we face behind the scenes, we have not cut corners or downgraded materials,” says Flores. “Every Concord pump continues to be built with the same high-grade steel, reliable components, and industry-proven engineering that has earned us the trust of contractors across North America.”

Concord has continuously produced pumps that function in the most demanding circumstances while placing a high premium on operator experience and safety because of its emphasis on robustness, affordability, and ease of use. Being the only concrete pump producer with a facility owned and operated in North America is a true source of pride. The company also has total control over its manufacturing process within its three worldwide production facilities, located in South Korea, Australia, and Canada, the latter of which is where its headquarters are located.

While some manufacturers may opt for cheaper materials or simplified designs to keep pricing competitive, that’s not how this company operates, stresses Flores. “At Concord, compromise is not part of our process,” he says. “When you invest in a Concord pump, you’re getting the same rugged, reliable equipment we’ve always built because we know that in tough times, performance and durability are non-negotiable.”

That also includes maintaining a commitment to both Canadian and U.S. customers. From the job sites of Washington to the growing infrastructure markets of Eastern Canada, Concord’s customers are facing similar struggles: rising material costs, tighter budgets, and less certainty about tomorrow’s workload.

“At Concord, we want you to know we get it and we’re with you,” Flores says. “We don’t just ship machines; we build relationships that last. Our customer support teams are active and responsive across Canada and the U.S., ensuring fast parts access, technical expertise, and personal attention when you need it most.”

While the current market may be challenging, it also reminds the company of what makes this industry great: resilience. Concrete construction has always been and will continue to be about building foundations, and at Concord Concrete Pumps, the team is here to help lay the groundwork for what’s next. “We’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners throughout Canada and the United States, building tough, supporting hard, and making choices that put customers first,” says Flores.

One of the biggest events in the concrete industry, World of Concrete 2026, is coming up this January in Las Vegas, and Concord employees are already looking forward to and preparing for what promises to be a valuable experience. World of Concrete 2026 is an opportunity for the organization to celebrate its accomplishments, share experiences, and learn from one another. It’s also a chance to learn about new technology, network with partners, and showcase Concord’s inventiveness and reliability, with employees eager to participate, have amazing experiences, and develop as a team.

Looking to the future, Concord is determined not to stand still but instead embrace some ambitious goals in the years ahead, including expanding its U.S. service and parts network for faster response times and localized support, growing its footprint in emerging markets while maintaining strong relationships with longtime partners, and increasing training and education resources for its entire team.

What sets Concord apart isn’t just the machines—it’s the mindset, adds Flores. This means continuing to focus on and support customer-first decisions. “We make choices that benefit our clients, not just our bottom line,” he says. And Concord pumps are also built to last. “Our pumps are engineered for longevity in the harshest conditions.”

By maintaining both a global reach and local support for customers, Concord aims to deliver world-class service wherever clients are located. “It’s about integrity at every step: from design to delivery, we stay true to our principles,” Flores says. “We’re not just building concrete pumps. We’re building trust, strength, and a future we can all stand on.”

The post Concord Commits to Putting Customers First<p class="company">Concord Concrete Pumps</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

The company’s vast nationwide and international network of in-house and outside professionals supports its individualized service, ensuring customers receive a customized solution that suits individual demands built on a foundation of teamwork, creativity, and a dedication to quality.

To ensure every aspect of a project goes as smoothly as possible, Coreslab is committed to working together both on-site and internally, with an award-winning team that collaborates with engineers, architects, construction managers, and owners. From managing a constrained timeline and cutting waste on the construction site to creating and producing useful, aesthetically pleasing products, Coreslab goes above and beyond to pay attention to the details.

In order to provide the construction sector with cutting-edge solutions, Coreslab strives to constantly advance its technical know-how, works hard to ensure the success of clients’ projects, and is dedicated to quality in all it does. “The 50-year milestone for Coreslab Structures International is really a testament to the quality work they do and the relationships and the trust they build with their customers, specifically here, with our location. We’re so proud to be a part of Oklahoma City,” says Sales Manager Richard Owens. “We really do pride ourselves on being part of the community, building and growing it, and taking on new challenges.”

In fact, Coreslab Structures (OKLA) Inc. couldn’t have made it 35 years without the trust and the partnerships built along the way, he adds. “It really speaks to the quality of the work we do and the quality of the people we have here. We definitely view ourselves as partners here.”

After leaving a previous precaster because they only built “grey boxes everywhere,” Owens knew he wanted to instead build something beautiful. “That’s really what Coreslab here in Oklahoma City has given me the opportunity to do, to add to the beauty of Oklahoma,” he says.

One of those beautiful projects is Taft Middle School, which Owens refers to as a “jewel in the crown” of architectural work. “It’s just a gorgeous building.”

Comprising 388 precast pieces that are coming together to create a “safe and inspiring space for students and the community,” this truly unique project also includes a storm shelter and multi-color panels that will make the campus both welcoming and resilient for years to come.

“The original school was very Art Deco, and they’re keeping that front part of the school,” Owens explains. “We’re going to branch off into wings on both sides of it and behind it. Rather than knocking down this just gorgeous school, we’re getting a chance to add to it and expand on it.”

The project came about through a partnership with architects Butzer Architects and Urbanism, Lingo Construction Services and Coreslab’s outside engineering firm CEG, accompanied by the company’s own plant and production team. “When I started to take this project on, I wasn’t even 100 percent certain it could be done, but after some long nights and a lot of pre-planning, it’s coming together beautifully,” Owens shares.

Coreslab, he adds, works with a wonderful contractor who always says that what he is making is art. “When we were having a meeting on Taft Middle School, I’d remembered him saying that a long time ago, and I said, ‘I want to make art. I want to look at something and take my kid to it and be proud of it.’”

And with precast, anything is possible. Other notable Coreslab projects include a stunning parking structure for the Chickasaw Nation, as well as an outside parking garage for OKANA Resort & Indoor Water Park.

Destroying the notion that precast is inherently grey and unattractive, Coreslab is determined to impart the material’s worth and beauty further throughout the industry. “Precast is faster and stronger than your traditional tilt-up, and more versatile in the sense that I can get better color control,” says Owens. “That’s because our product is made indoors; therefore, we have way more control over variables like weather.”

Precast allows for use in a variety of different applications, he adds. “We’ve built churches, schools, parking garages, and a cheese manufacturing facility, which is a food-grade facility. Precast has so many uses and so many finishes. It’s almost limitless.”

In terms of ongoing innovation, Coreslab is now employing acid etching for its panels, which gives them a crisp, clean finish, maintaining the color of the concrete while giving it an almost sparkly finish.

“Precast really is the most versatile,” says Owens. “I come from a traditional sales background, and I got into precast almost by accident. When I talk to people about precast, and they say, ‘Why would you want to get into it?’ I say, ‘I can’t imagine anyone wanting to do anything else.’ Every day I’m going to see something that I’ve never seen before and build something that’s going to long outlive me.”

The challenge, however, remains helping other builders understand the numerous benefits precast offers, particularly those companies that are stuck using traditional products and don’t want to change their ways. “Some builders say it’s the way they’ve always done it, whether it’s building out of block or brick. Precast allows us to do a thin brick, for example, and we’re going to be gone in days versus months of construction time.”

Indeed, precast can be sold on price, schedule, and quality, he stresses, and it checks all those boxes in ways people don’t necessarily understand. There is also some misunderstanding about its cost, which is comparable when compared to other more commonly used materials. It can get more expensive when building high architectural structures, but it’s still affordable, says Owens. “I think when people really do an apples-to-apples comparison—a precast garage versus a cast-in-place garage—we’re going to be cheaper, we’re going to be stronger, we’re going to be faster, and what more can you ask for?”

It’s not just Coreslab’s products and commitment to quality that help keep it going strong; the company’s employees and the culture have combined to create a bedrock of experience, skill, and dedication. With a General Manager who has been there for 20 years, a Director of Projects of 20 years, and an Estimating team in Owens’ department with 40 years of experience, the depth of knowledge is impressive.

“Our engineering manager has a PhD; we’ve got drafters that have been here forever. We’ve got a gentleman who’s loved dearly, a man by the name of Dale, who has been at Coreslab longer than I’ve been alive,” Owens says, dating back to when the company was called Thomas Concrete. “With 43 years of experience, he’s that guy you go to if you need to find where something is located, or you need someone to tell you what you did in the parking garage in 1981.”

A rarity at companies these days, this commitment and care are what Owens truly appreciates, along with what Coreslab has to offer, both in its projects and its people. “I remember asking, ‘What is the culture at Coreslab?’ And it really is loyalty. Coreslab is very loyal to their employees, and in return, the employees are loyal to Coreslab,” he says. “We’re very fortunate in that we are a company that’s supportive. We’re very much a team here, and I’ve never asked someone for help and had them say, ‘I can’t help you right now.’ It’s always, ‘How can I help? What can I do?’”

Some of the biggest challenges Coreslab faces are similar to what the industry at large is seeing in the market, including interest rates that have “hammered” the private sector for development. Navigating those waters and being a little more public works-heavy, taking on more government projects than might be typical in a year, the company has had to pivot while still being there to service the private sector. “That’s really been the biggest challenge for us,” says Owens. “It’s kind of the same pain everyone’s had.”

When he looks ahead, there are some goals he has in mind, including being the first option in Oklahoma City when a building is planned. “I want architects to call Coreslab and say, ‘How would you make this out of precast?’ That’s my ultimate goal.”

In addition to celebrating upcoming company anniversaries, Owens also has high praise for the employees who choose to work at Coreslab. “I always go back to our people. No one can replicate our people, our team. That’s really what differentiates Coreslab Structures (OKLA) Inc.”

And the company must be doing something right, celebrating an impressive set of anniversaries with employees always striving for success and customer satisfaction. “I think it’s going to be a great year,” Owens says. “There are some wonderful projects that I believe we’re going to get that will plant a flag. I’m looking forward to those. They’re going to be projects that are absolute legacy projects.”

That legacy isn’t for Owens himself, he stresses. He came to Coreslab to build a legacy for the company itself for years to come. “It really is a great company to work for, and I think 99 percent of the people here feel the same way. It’s about that team and that goal.”

The post Beauty Built to Last: Creating Concrete Legacies<p class="company">Coreslab Structures (OKLA) Inc.</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Designed and manufactured in Europe, alkus^® launched in North America in 2017, where it continues to be adopted by progressive construction professionals that appreciate the company’s value and performance. As Kenneth Clisso, Business Development Manager for North America, puts it, “I’ve been in the concrete forming business for about 40 years now and this is the best product I’ve ever had to sell.”

The alkus^® difference
alkus^® Innovative Systems come in two varieties: the AL, which is constructed with aluminum-reinforced polypropylene and is used for wall, slab, and special structural elements; and the GM, which is the company’s first iteration made from fiber-reinforced polypropylene.

Thanks to their material composition, alkus^® solutions have effectively replaced traditional wood formwork and eliminated the many challenges, issues, and rework that can result from its use. Unlike their wood counterparts, the polypropylene panels are impervious to swelling, rotting, and the frequent need to replace or repair, which is time and labor intensive and drives up overall costs.

alkus^® panels have been proven to last 1,500 uses and over 20 years thanks to their innovative design, their unique system of repair, and the seven-year warranty they are backed by, unmatched in the industry. However, in an industry that is typically slow to change, highly innovative products that shake the very foundation of how things are done often face resistance. But between the technical performance of the panels and the financial breakdown and sustainable nature of the formwork, their use becomes an offer that people simply cannot refuse.

“Initially there is some resistance because of price—and it’s not just our price, but the price of anything that’s innovative and anything that is a long-term solution that lowers costs in the long run,” says Clisso, noting that while initial costs are greater, over a 10-year timeframe, there are significant savings to be had.

Plywood needs to be replaced often (certainly more than once every 20 years), and with trade disputes festering around the world and the challenges related to softwood lumber, prices aren’t likely to come down anytime soon. There is also the issue of disposal fees cropping up in places like California where charges are incurred for things like heavy laden plywood, as well as the time and labor costs associated with transportation and disposal.

This is a non-issue for alkus^® as the product holds value on construction sites beyond their use as formwork, instead being repurposed as mudsills and shoring supports, which extends the life and value of the product.

The company’s European footprint has also been designed to be circular in nature. As Matthew Pescador, CEO, alkus North America, explains, “They’re actually recycling nearly 100 percent of the material. They take all the polypropylene, they’re able to separate it, and they regranulate it and feed it right back into the extrusion process. The aluminum gets bagged up and they send it to an aluminum recycling facility, and they actually get paid money for sending it back,” he shares.

“So the idea becomes, ‘How do we implement this worldwide?’ because green construction is the way of the future. There are limited resources in the world, and we have to be good stewards of the natural resources that are out there, so this is something we are looking to implement in the United States.”

A new path forward
Further to implementing a recycling plan in the U.S., there are also plans in the works to establish domestic manufacturing over the next several years to ensure that demand can be sustained and product can more efficiently reach the market, which is an important next step as the brand gains traction all over the world.

“Green is really the direction that construction is going in. That’s why a lot of these really big mega projects have to be LEED and otherwise certified; [project owners and builders] realize the implications for the long term,” says Pescador.

In Switzerland, green construction materials are mandated on projects, with non-renewables like plywood formwork outlawed, which is demonstrative of the progressive stance of the country’s construction industry to operate sustainably.

Governments in North America have the same opportunity before them to make legislative changes that support the future sustainability of the sector. Organizations like the ACI (American Concrete Institute) can be the voice of the industry in pushing for changes that could have a resounding impact on the quality of projects and the mitigation of environmental impacts. And while many early adopters and progressive partners have already made the switch to alkus^® solutions, writing them into project specs on countless projects, others can begin to follow suit.

For Pescador, the market potential is massive and alkus^® only needs to capitalize on a fraction of it to feel the impact—not only on the company itself, but on the customers who use its solutions to improve the technical performance and sustainability of their projects.

A winning solution
The team at alkus^® (and anyone who has used the product) knows that this formwork solution is second to none, and the company is working hard to ensure that the greatest number of construction professionals have access to it.

In addition to investing in the company’s production capacity, alkus^® has also added talent to cover a greater service area in the North American market with the addition of a new Business Development Manager for the south who Clisso has spent time training.

“They are being trained by Ken to capitalize on all the industrial work that’s going on there right now,” says Pescador. “That’s why we’re making the investment to hire, because we see that the demand is out there.”

Numbers don’t lie and when it comes to alkus^® solutions, the value embodied in the product and its performance is unequalled in the market. This is why it is the way of the future and the preferred formwork solution of many industry leaders around the world. To learn more about how alkus^® can save you money and improve the performance of your formwork, visit: www.alkus.com.

The post The Global Leader in High Performance Formwork<p class="company">alkus®</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Every great company has an origin story, and this one starts in a Fresno City College classroom. “It actually started on a funny note,” recalls Sarah Souza, General Manager of Elite Private Landscape. “Our owner was taking a business class, and his professor told him, ‘You’re struggling in this class, but if you go out and start a business, I’ll give you a passing grade.’ He took that advice literally, started mowing lawns under the name Bulldog Lawn Service, and never looked back.”

That small push launched what would become Elite Team Offices, a deeply rooted, homegrown enterprise that’s now a leader in the industry, with over 900 employees, six branches, and 12 satellite offices spread throughout California and beyond.

Though the scale has grown dramatically, the company’s heart remains grounded in the Central Valley. “It started in the Central Valley, and the community here is deeply important to us,” says Souza. “We’re not just building parks or landscapes; we’re creating spaces where families make lifelong memories. That’s a quality of life you can’t buy.”

Across every branch, division, and leadership team, the same theme echoes: opportunity. Whether someone joins the company with a shovel in hand or a degree in business, Elite fosters an environment where anyone can grow.

Few embody that better than Aldo Garcia, General Manager of Elite Landscape Construction. “I started with this company 20 years ago doing labor work,” he shares. “I got the opportunity to be a foreman, then a superintendent, and eventually a general manager. In this company, there’s no limit. Nobody will tell you it’s not possible. If you want it, it’s there, you just have to go for it.”

This sense of empowerment is baked into the company’s DNA. It’s not just a workplace; it’s a place where careers are built and lives are transformed. Many of the team’s current leaders have been with the company for decades, often following in the footsteps of their parents. And with hundreds of employees and millions in revenue, it would be easy for the leadership team to stay behind the scenes. But that’s not how Elite operates. “We have over 900 individuals working with us, and our owner is here almost every day,” says Garcia. “He’s still checking in, making sure everything’s going as it should. He’s part of the business.”

That personal involvement reflects a larger philosophy: people first, always. The company is selective in hiring, seeking not just skills, but mindset and values. “We hire with intention,” explains Souza. “We don’t just add numbers to the payroll; we look for people with goals that align with their career paths.” The company places a strong emphasis on ensuring that every team member feels valued, supported, and understood, not only in terms of professional development but also in maintaining their overall well-being and mental health.

Elite’s structure is as diverse as the landscapes it designs, with four specialized companies operating under the Elite umbrella. Elite Landscape Construction (ELC) focuses on union contracts and large-scale projects, including prevailing wage and government work. Elite Maintenance and Tree Service (EMTS) oversees landscape maintenance, tree care, and enhancement projects, ensuring that every environment remains both beautiful and sustainable over time. Elite Private Landscape (EPL) caters to private commercial and residential installations and has recently expanded operations into Nevada, with plans to explore opportunities in neighboring states. Meanwhile, Stockbridge General Contracting specializes in parks and landscaping, creating public spaces and sports fields that strengthen community connections and enhance local quality of life, as well as utility solar construction, environmental restoration, and stormwater pollution prevention..

Each company operates independently yet shares the same culture of growth and collaboration. “We all have different strengths,” says Luis Villarruel, Divisional Operations Manager of EMTS. “Our maintenance company, EMTS, has been growing an average of 30 percent a year. That’s through a mix of acquisitions and organic growth and we’ve done it without private equity,” he says. “It’s all about legacy, culture, and reinvestment.”

Villarruel explains that the company reinvests its profits directly into people and tools. “We’re constantly trying to ensure everyone has what they need to grow, from training to technology. We’re implementing new AI estimating tools, leadership programs, and systems that make operations easier. It’s all about empowering our teams.”

While rooted in tradition, Elite is forward-thinking in its approach. The landscape industry has evolved beyond simple turf and trees, and this company has kept pace. “In order to stay relevant in this industry, you have to adapt,” says Souza. “Landscape today means understanding masonry, retaining walls, hardscapes, lighting, irrigation systems, and even synthetic turf. To be a one-stop shop, we cross-train our employees so that any crew on any site can deliver the same Elite standard.”

That emphasis on cross-training not only improves quality but also deepens employee engagement. Workers aren’t just doing one job; they’re building versatile skill sets that grow with the company.

Perhaps one of the company’s proudest traditions is its annual participation in the Lawn & Landscape Top 100 summit, where it has steadily climbed the ranks since first appearing at #46 in 2018. Currently the company holds place #38. But unlike many competitors, Elite brings more than executives to the event. Each year, the company brings 10 to 12 team members, operational leaders who drive daily operations, to attend the show and take the stage in recognition of their collective achievements. That simple gesture has had a profound impact. “We make sure our people get the recognition they deserve. That’s what sets us apart,” the company believes.

Beyond business, Elite is making a tangible impact on the next generation of tradespeople. Through partnerships with State Community College Center District (SCCCD) that include Fresno City College, Clovis Community College, Reedley College, Madera Center, and Oakhurst Center, the company offers scholarships and internships, and even helps develop curriculum for construction-related courses. The company has also launched a construction class at Fresno City College covering essential skills, from proper use of PPE to tree care, with the goal of shifting the perspective from simply holding a job to building a lasting career. “We go beyond supporting our people—we support our community. Whether it’s through scholarships, expos, or high school tech events, we’re making sure young people see that there’s a future here,” says Garcia.

One of those success stories is an intern from Fresno State who joined the company thinking landscaping was “just planting trees.” After seeing the depth and creativity of the work, he fell in love with the field and decided to stay after graduation. “We were able to offer him a career where he can grow into a project manager,” Garcia says proudly.

Another intern, a Fresno State engineering graduate, joined as an intern, was later hired full-time, and even brought her husband into the company. “He started as a laborer and was promoted as a foreman of specialty installation, and she’s now one of our engineers,” says Souza. “We grow our people, and it really shows. From the top down, we understand if you grow, I grow, we grow.”

As the first female General Manager in the company’s history, Souza knows firsthand the importance of representation. “It’s not about me,” she says, “it’s about the perception and the doors that are opening for everyone who comes after me. When you think of construction, you don’t always think of women, but times are changing.” Her leadership marks a meaningful step forward not only for the company but for the industry at large, an industry long overdue for greater diversity and inclusion.

Elite’s commitment to community doesn’t end at the job site. Through its Spring Sing event, the company donates to local foundations and funds scholarships for students pursuing construction and landscape careers, while its outreach programs give students hands-on experiences in the field.

“Our goal is to change how people see this industry,” says Souza. “We’re showing young people that landscaping isn’t just a summer job; it’s a career that builds communities and creates beauty that lasts generations.”

With expansion plans underway, including a fifth branch and a goal to grow Elite Private Landscape from $30 million to $50 million in revenue by 2030, the company’s trajectory is impressive. But for everyone at Elite, growth isn’t just about numbers. The company benefits from repeat business, referrals, and loyal clients thanks to the care and attention they receive. The main challenge lies in ensuring that internal growth keeps pace with increasing demand, providing training and advancement opportunities quickly enough to uphold the company’s high standards. It’s a fortunate challenge, one that the company tackles with both enthusiasm and humility.

That’s not just a statement on a wall, but a lived philosophy, visible in every crew, every park, every partnership, and every career that grows from within the company.

“It’s gratitude,” Souza reflects, when asked what ties everything together. “Gratitude for our team members, our leadership, our clients, and our community. We know how fortunate we are and that’s what keeps us grounded as we keep growing.”

The post Deep Roots, Bold Growth<p class="company">Elite Team Offices</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Throughout the 15-plus years it has been active, Messco has grown from a single location with only four people to sporting five locations and as many as 80 individuals in its workforce, with plans to expand to even more locations. Derek Messing’s son Jack has also become involved as a sales associate, making it a true family business.

Sales Manager Brady Mohart, who has been with the company since 2020, says that clients can sometimes fall into the assumption that, because the business is heavily involved with lumber in its daily operations, it is only a seller of it and associated products like drywall. This is not true, he says, because the company provides a full service, willing and able to engage in other building areas including trim, siding, decking, railing, roofing, stonework, and more.

To that end, Messco hopes to shake off its label as just a lumberyard. The company can assist a wide variety of customers with any project inside or outside a home. Vice President Dale Hammond says that the business is capable of doing jobs that range from $2,500 pressure decking projects to commercial jobs in the range of $3 million to $5 million, which shows its versatility and commitment to customer satisfaction.

The decade so far has seen Messco make great strides in its desire to expand operations ever further across the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. In 2020, the company opened a new gypsum yard site in Danbury, Connecticut; around four years later, it opened another gypsum yard in Manchester, Connecticut, along with a new accounting office and 40,000 square feet of warehouse space. Hammond says that the move to open a new branch in Connecticut in 2024 was spurred on by an offer from CertainTeed, a Pennsylvania-based building product distributor, for an exclusive dealership to sell acoustic ceiling tile products in the state.

These moves across the state of Connecticut have been paralleled by similar growth in the company’s home state of New York. Last year, Messco established its commercial door division store in the village of Montgomery, building from its original Walden location. The company has expanded its home base quite a bit, a branch that Hammond says does everything from framing and lumber to gypsum, drywall, roofing, and siding. “Anything the building industry offers, we can do,” he says, and the company has made sure that the same is true of all its yards and locations.

Along with new locations, the company has also been inviting new faces to its workforce, both in 2024 and 2025. Crucially, this talent influx has brought a lot of younger workers, individuals in their 20s and 30s. Mohart says that, generally, it is easier for younger people to adapt to the new technologies and programs available in the building industry today, which is a huge boon for Messco’s operations.

On the flip side, Messco also welcomes industry veterans with decades of experience, who help the next generation develop their sales skills and learn the ins and outs of the field. A breadth of experience levels throughout the team has helped the company remain nimble while its operations benefit from the decades of experience and knowledge it carries within its workforce.

Among its many positive aspects, Hammond says that the biggest distinguishing feature of Messco in the building industry is its approach to service. “There’s still a lot of personal touch with us.” He says that this distinction sets the company apart from much of the competition who may be unwilling or unable to go the extra mile the way a business like Messco can. At Messco, it is easy for customers to get in touch with a real person as opposed to being sent to an automated voice or a phone tree, and this is the same for the sales force. Across all the company’s locations, salespeople have their own customers and have fostered enduring personal relationships with them, which has allowed for repeat business and an ever-renewing sense of confidence in what the company can do.

Mohart says that sometimes, when a business reaches a certain corporate level, the interpersonal connections can drop off, especially when decisions about projects or goods have to be run up the chain before a decision can be made. Since everything at Messco is accomplished in-house, decisions can be made faster and clients can often get answers the same day. What is more, as a family-owned business, there is no cadre of voices gumming up the works and weighing down every decision in bureaucracy. Clients have historically responded to this direct, swift approach and appreciate that a human voice can be reached any time of day for service or support.

Hammond tells us that 2025 was a comparatively stagnant year for both Messco and the broader building industry due to a lack of consistency in projects and customer expectations, owing largely to the higher interest rates seen throughout the year. This, coupled with the ongoing tariffs imposed by the United States, continues to affect myriad industries that rely on importing and exporting goods internationally as part of their regular operations. Thankfully, Messco itself is still doing well all things considered, and is anticipating a newer push for construction—especially on the commercial end—that will likely make a significant difference in fortunes by early 2026.

As the new year begins, Messco has big plans to expand throughout the New England area with even more new locations, Hammond shares. With its recent dealership offer in Connecticut, the hope is to push the business further into New England and potentially nab exclusive dealerships in that state as well.

Along the way, the company will continue to employ the practices that have brought it such success so far: family values, exemplary customer service, and a rich knowledge base. “We will take advantage of having great employees and see where the economy goes,” Hammond says. Although the economy can be unpredictable, Messco’s rock-steady commitment to customer satisfaction, delivered by its knowledgeable and hungry employees, will surely keep it coming out on top for a long time to come.

The post The Personal Touch for the Building Industry<p class="company">Messco Building Supply</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

At CanLift, cultivating people beats chasing trends. Following phenomenal growth in recent years, doubling its revenue in the two years leading up to 2025, the company is now settling into a deep dive into its evolution as an industry thought leader. More impressively, perhaps, the company has built its culture alongside its revenue, landing it a Great Place to Work^® Canada award in June of this year. Its healthy company morale continues to speak for itself.

With September of this year being CanLift’s best rental quarter and month in its history, overall growth may have slowed slightly but forecasts remain positive. “We’re expanding again in the second quarter of next year,” shares Johnny Dragicevic, Managing Partner and Co-founder. “We look forward to growing some more.”

Beyond its sterling service, the company’s business model simply makes sense. By renting equipment in uncertain times, client companies can protect their working capital for when they really need it.

Over the past year, CanLift has come to learn the value of artificial intelligence (AI) in strengthening its systems. The result is a new era in operational efficiency and a promise of things to come. “The more immersed we become in AI, the more we find it is beneficial to our company,” says Joe Gould, Director of Business Development.

To achieve the goal of continuing to expand the company while deepening its culture, a new AI club welcomes staff to lunch-and-learns, where people enjoy becoming a part of this new paradigm. Cultivating morale is not all about business performance, either; the team believes that the personal attention and sincere care that exists between leadership and staff is the secret sauce that sets the company’s culture apart.

“The principles of good business haven’t changed. You want to take good care of your people and deliver great service,” says Ryan Fitzgibbon, Director of Technology & Marketing and Co-founder.

When it comes to delivering excellence, the team’s mandate is straightforward: stay ahead of customers’ needs. To achieve this, the company continuously invests in new equipment, deepening its expertise and its capabilities in ways very few of its competitors can match. Serving many customers in glazing, for instance, CanLift is actively expanding its offerings with specialized glass-manipulation equipment, ensuring customers can work more quickly, safely, and efficiently while meeting the evolving needs of high-rise, healthcare, and other specialized construction projects. “[Staying on top] of our customers’ needs is what is driving the expansion,” Fitzgibbon continues.

Gould points out that, for this reason, CanLift’s most recent investment focus has been on high-reach equipment to 185 feet. “This opens a whole new market for us,” he says of the game-changing commitment that has taken the company from offering 120-foot booms to now being able to operate on behalf of significantly larger, cross-border customers.

These new capabilities also allow CanLift to enter the manufacturing industry due to its consistency in demand. Working mainly with OEMs, the team can leverage its independence to its own and its customers’ benefit and adapt to changing demands fast. And, by having its hands-on owners on board working alongside the greater team, customers enjoy the immediacy of CanLift’s ability to respond to their organizational needs with speed and integrity.

Ever-aware of the importance of supply chain strategy and the need for evolution, Dragicevic describes the company’s ability to pivot as its “superpower. With supply chain volatility, we have to be intentional with our procurement,” he says. The result is more effective equipment and satisfied staff. To ensure that this status quo persists, CanLift now employs AI to harvest data that enables in-depth fleet analysis to guide maintenance, lifecycle planning, and the equipment retirement process, amongst many other tasks.

As an employee-led initiative, AI has also improved service delivery and, therefore, business relationships, as staff members have more time to spend on in-person engagements with customers. With a group of its leaders completing an intensive AI for Business mini-MBA from Section AI, they are now clear on the importance of leveraging the technology. The result is an expedited implementation process and a very happy team. Perhaps one of CanLift’s more fun roll-outs of AI is its fantastic 24/7 chatbot, Clive, who assists customers quickly and efficiently from the company website.

“A big takeaway for our staff is that they know that it’s not replacing anyone; it helps them. It makes them more efficient personally and professionally. They are just using it as a tool,” Dragicevic says, underlining how engaging staff and allowing them to lead the way with AI has erased all possible anxiety that may have existed initially about being replaced by computers.

“At the end of the day, we are a people’s business, so AI is not going to take that away from us,” Fitzgibbon adds.

To simplify the process, the team also has its own AI coach, Edwin Jansen of Coachfully.AI, who helps guide everything from ideation to implementation processes as well as the analysis process to ensure that the company gets as much as possible from its investment and its commitment to remaining an AI-forward operation. In the process, Jansen also assisted the company in developing a few custom generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs) to assist in simplifying tasks outsourced to technology. These functions are quickly becoming extensive, including some aspects of enterprise resource planning (ERP), fleet and financial analysis, daily accounting tasks, and prospecting for clients. It also improves response times, making the benefits almost innumerable.

For any company looking to invest in AI but uncertain of where to start, the advice of these leaders is simple: start small. By taking one or two business problems and finding a way AI can assist in solving them, the ball gets rolling. Evolution starts from there. By using it as a tool to free staff from mundane tasks to take care of the soft skills that the technology cannot offer, everyone becomes more fulfilled at work. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Fitzgibbon says, highlighting the importance of letting teams find their own way using the tools to allow for organic development.

Having attended AI conference HumanX in Las Vegas earlier this year, Gould is impressed by its capabilities. “Even the people who are developing AI have no idea where it’s going in the next five years,” he shares. “It’s better to get in on the ground floor with it and then use it within your business.” Naturally, these investments are intended to further drive and help sustain growth, and CanLift is also always scouting for new talent to join its team. “AI hasn’t stopped us from hiring. We’re growing as a company. That’s the main focus,” Gould continues.

To achieve that growth, however, means continuously strengthening the company’s financial and structural foundations alongside its capabilities. And so, that is what its leadership is focused on while its engaged, positive team gets to work implementing fresh new systems. Confident in the success of its projected growth trajectory, CanLift Equipment Ltd. knows that, thanks to its team’s creativity and commitment to personalized service, customer satisfaction and field capabilities can only go up from here.

The post Safety, Integrity, Collaboration—And Plenty of Innovation<p class="company">CanLift Equipment</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

From its headquarters in the Heart of America, Potter Fire has become one of the nation’s most respected names in fire protection—a company where advanced engineering meets human commitment, and where every system represents both innovation and integrity.

A legacy forged in purpose
Potter’s story begins in 1898, when founder Charles E. Potter set out to create devices that would save lives and protect property. More than 125 years later, that mission remains the foundation of everything the company does.

Potter’s philosophy—“Fire and Life Safety. Period.”—is as bold in its simplicity as it is in its execution. Whether it’s developing intelligent addressable systems, cutting-edge voice evacuation platforms, or radio enhancement technology for first responders, Potter’s work is driven by a singular goal: reliability when it matters most.

Yet, behind every product lies something less visible but equally powerful—a culture built on partnership, accountability, and pride. “Our customers aren’t just accounts,” says Dick Bauer, Potter Fire’s Vice President of Sales, “they’re our partners. Their success is ours.”

The St. Louis advantage
Potter’s headquarters and primary manufacturing facilities in St. Louis are the embodiment of its identity. Here, engineering teams, product designers, and technicians collaborate to create systems trusted across North America and beyond.

“Our St. Louis operation is the anchor of who we are,” explains Potter Fire President, Jeffrey Klein. “It’s where innovation meets the needs of public safety—and where the promise of American quality and reliability takes tangible form.”

Potter’s St. Louis campus is also home to its national training center, where contractors and technicians receive hands-on instruction in fire alarm systems, voice evacuation, and ERCES technology. This is complemented by Potter Academy, an online education platform offering free, interactive training for partners across the country.

The result is an ecosystem that brings design, manufacturing, education, and service together—all in the heart of the nation. “Potter Fire is proof that innovation and integrity can thrive together—right here in the Heart of America.”

Technology that protects and endures
Potter Fire’s product portfolio exemplifies the company’s ability to blend sophistication with dependability.

The IPA and AFC Series addressable fire alarm systems serve as the backbone of its offerings, providing scalable solutions for everything from small commercial buildings to expansive, networked campuses. With peer-to-peer networking, Ethernet and fiber connectivity, and flexible device compatibility, these systems deliver power and precision in any environment.

Meanwhile, PotterNet and IntelliView^™ software extend the reach of protection through intelligent monitoring, allowing facility managers to oversee hundreds of panels remotely.

Potter’s patented Quadrasync^™ technology uniquely synchronizes visual and audible notification appliances from multiple manufacturers on a single circuit, eliminating compatibility conflicts, simplifying installations, and ensuring full NFPA and UL code compliance with confidence. As the only solution of its kind in the industry, Quadrasync^™ allows contractors to reuse existing notification devices during system upgrades, significantly reducing project costs and installation time while delivering a cleaner, code-compliant result for both new and retrofit applications.

Each innovation, whether hardware or software, is rooted in real-world insight developed through collaboration with partners, installers, AHJs, and first responders. “Our best ideas don’t start in conference rooms,” says Bob Teta, Potter Director of Software Services. “They start in the field, with people who depend on our systems every day.”

Ownership and investment: the power of people
Potter’s 2023 partnership with KKR, one of the world’s leading investment firms, marked a new chapter in its evolution. With KKR’s financial strength and strategic guidance, Potter has accelerated innovation while expanding its reach—without compromising its values.

A defining aspect of Potter’s culture is its Employee Ownership Program, which ensures that every team member has a personal stake in the company’s success. This ownership model has deepened commitment, improved retention, and strengthened quality across every department.

“When you have ownership, you don’t just work for a company; you protect its reputation,” says Kevin Rapp, Potter’s Integrated Operations Manager. “That sense of pride shows up in every panel we ship.”

The synergy between KKR’s long-term vision and Potter’s employee-driven culture has created a model for sustainable growth—one that values people as much as performance. “When you know you own what you build, you hold yourself to a higher standard.”

Potter ERCES: extending protection to first responders
When emergencies strike, communication can mean the difference between control and chaos. That’s why Potter’s ERCES division—formerly TowerIQ—develops Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) that keep firefighters and first responders connected inside buildings, where radio signals often fail.

Operating on 700/800 MHz and UHF frequencies, the Guardian series provides reliable Class A and Class B coverage that meets NFPA 1221 and IFC 510 requirements. Backed by Potter’s nationwide training, design, and support network, these systems deliver proven performance across a wide range of facility types—from high-rises to industrial complexes.

For Potter, it’s another way of fulfilling its mission: protecting not only those inside buildings, but also those who rush in to save them.

The Potter difference
Potter’s distinction lies not only in its products, but in its people. The company’s leadership brings more than a century of combined experience in fire and life safety. Regional Sales Managers act as trusted advisors, offering expertise on codes, system design, and best practices.

Every division—from engineering to technical support—is guided by accessibility, respect, and partnership. Live people answer the phones, and questions are resolved by professionals who understand the stakes.

This is what Potter calls The Potter Difference: a combination of customer focus, deep industry knowledge, and the quiet confidence that comes from more than a century of doing things the right way.

A century of progress, a future of promise
As another fire alarm panel completes its final test on the bench at Potter’s St. Louis facility, a small green light flickers to life: system normal. It’s a simple signal, but a profound one.

It represents a century of dedication, generations of craftsmanship, and a future defined by innovation and integrity.

From the Heart of America, Potter Fire continues to shape the future of fire and life safety—protecting buildings, communities, and the people within them.

For Potter Fire, that’s not just business. It’s legacy.

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