The precast concrete industry stands as a cornerstone in modern construction, revolutionizing not only the way structures are built, but their very design. Positioned as a key player in the precast concrete industry, Precast Unlimited boasts a comprehensive range of capabilities, serving as a singular destination for an array of projects. From utility structures to intricate architectural components, its expertise spans the spectrum of precast. What distinguishes it is a steadfast commitment to customization, with an impressive 90% of its projects tailored to unique specifications. Beyond the conventional role of a precast provider, Precast Unlimited emerges as a versatile organization adept at adapting its services to the distinctive requirements of each project. Whether designing for the robust functionality of utility structures or the nuanced aesthetics of architectural elements, the company thrives on the challenge of delivering exceptional precast solutions across diverse applications.
More than 25 years ago, the founders embarked on a mission to establish a company that would set new standards in customized and high-quality precast products. Originally incorporated as Universal Precast, today, Precast Unlimited stands as a leader in architectural, site furnishing, utility, and structural precast solutions. The company’s impressive growth can be attributed to the successful completion of thousands of projects, collaborating with architects, general contractors, municipalities, counties, state and federal clients like the VA, and with institutes of higher education.
As a growing business, the company’s culture is deeply rooted in quality and craftsmanship. Paul D’Amico and Gary McCall are the visionaries behind the company’s inception and have played a crucial role. After gaining knowledge and experience while working with another company, D’Amico identified a market opportunity. Starting with site furnishings and fiberglass molds, the company evolved, incorporating rapid modeling and CNC capabilities for custom mold creation as the team expanded. Just over a year ago, the company divided in two with the original iteration continuing as UPC Parks which offers customizable play experiences. Precast Unlimited as the sister company still offers product design, 3D modeling, mold manufacturing, concrete mix designs, specialty finishes, and more. Since the early 2000s, the company’s growth has been consistent, a testament to its dedication to innovation, extraordinary customization capabilities, and customer satisfaction.
The team today has evolved to support these pillars of Precast Unlimited’s business model. Although the ownership is now more hands-off, the workforce of 50+ is led by Brody Bowman-Vice President/Civil Engineer, Chris Hess- Director of Product Design, Peter Goff, Chase Warner, and Blake Pewitt-Project Managers, Tricia Seylar-Office Manager, Brandon Long- Plant Manager and Josh Weyand- Estimator. In the last year Precast Unlimited has completed projects across the lower 48 states as well as in Hawaii; while UPC Parks has shipped products as far as Europe and Dubai.
Precast Unlimited continues to deliver custom precast concrete utility and architectural products with in-house capabilities for modeling, mold making, and engineering. The company prides itself on its ability to take a concept, convert it into a 3D model, create the molds, and tailor a mix design to meet its customer’s unique vision. Their extensive experience in custom design and production allows the team to be agile, informed, and innovative for every new project undertaking.
“We take pride in our rapid molding process, as it enables us to create complex and interesting forms that go beyond the capabilities of traditional molding. This method sets us apart in terms of customization and quality within the precast industry. The advantages of our rapid molding process contribute to our innovative approach and commitment to excellence, allowing us to deliver unique and high-quality precast products,” says Goff.
“The letters spelling California, alone, used over 26,000 pounds of concrete.”
The evolution of Precast Unlimited cannot be measured with the typical industry metrics due to the highly customized nature of their business. Instead of measuring its growth by an increasing product line or expanding service area, the evolution of Precast Unlimited is unmistakable in its ability to learn and augment its creativity and production, building off its past projects to execute progressively impressive, unique precast solutions.
“Every job is full of new possibilities with opportunities to problem solve”, says Peter Goff, Project Manager. “90% of what we do is custom work, so we have a pretty good handle on what would work and what wouldn’t work. And we are willing to test and experiment to achieve great results.”
Precast Unlimited’s ability to deliver creative and elevated designs is apparent in its recently completed Fillmore Turk Mini Park project in San Francisco. Completed in collaboration with OBS Engineering, this project was a $2.6 million, community-led, reimagining of a park originally built in 1978. Intended to be a welcoming and inclusive gathering space for the community, the park features an artful, contemporary installation that seamlessly integrates tables, seating, and planters.
“This was a unique project. We worked closely with the architect to ensure the shape and form of what he designed could be executed in concrete,” says Chase Warner, Project Manager. “The most challenging part of this project was the table. It is over 12 feet long with complex curves and angular features that had to be cast monolithically. It took four weeks to manufacture the mold for just this one part. It had to be assembled and disassembled in a specific pattern to ensure the integrity of the piece. It has since been installed and we are excited to see it at the grand opening of the park.”
Another testament to its ground-breaking project work can be found on the I-40 at the Arizona/California border. Precast Unlimited was tasked with elevating the design of a state welcome feature wall with a precast 3D bear model standing upright at nearly 10 feet and 7-foot letters spelling out California. For this project, Precast Unlimited leveraged a patented mix design that mitigates the weight of a sculpture of that scale and allows for a realistic and seamless finish.
“This project was huge for us in many ways,” says Goff. “The scale of the project is notable in the opportunity to highlight our proprietary mix design, the time spent on design and collaboration, the back and forth with the client, and the amount of concrete used. The letters spelling California, alone, used over 26,000 pounds of concrete.”
The future of Precast Unlimited is continued innovation and growth, driven by a steadfast commitment to excellence and adaptability. Since its inception, the company has evolved from its origins as Universal Precast to become a leader in architectural, site furnishing, utility, and structural precast solutions. The division into two entities highlights a strategic approach to cater to a diverse clientele with custom precast needs. Led by a dedicated and experienced management team, the workforce of creative and skilled craftspeople is poised for the challenges of the future.
The company’s focus on professional development, continuous evolution, and a hands-on approach to quality enhancement indicates a proactive stance in an ever-evolving industry. Precast Unlimited’s ability to transform concepts into 3D models, create molds, and tailor mix designs showcases a commitment to unparalleled customization capabilities. Underpinning each project is a personal investment in the work it does.
The company’s global reach underscores its potential for further expansion. As it ventures into the future, Precast Unlimited’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity, innovation, and customer satisfaction positions it as a formidable force in the precast industry.
