Illinois Precast Concrete Association Tours Besser Boone Facility

Twelve producer and associate members of the Illinois Precast Concrete Association joined the association’s Executive Director, Thomas Dardis for a spring tour throughout Iowa.  The first stop was in Des Moines where members toured Cretex to see the products produced at this facility including specialty precast structures, retaining wall systems, bridge products, utility vaults and more. The next stop was in Boone to visit the Besser foundry and fabrication shop where members learned more about the company and met our precast team.  Ryan Suszek, Director of Pipe and Precast, gave an overview of the company including the diverse line of concrete products equipment Besser provides in addition to parts, support and training.  Brian Christle, Precast Operations Manager led a tour where members were able to see the entire process, start to finish, for manufacturing precast forms including custom wet cast forms, utility box forms, and E-Z base forms completed in the assembly area.  The group witnessed the Ni-Hard pouring process that Besser uses to produce mixer blades, liners and trowel segments, a very unique and complex process that requires great attention to detail. Before departing, the group enjoyed a barbecue lunch and conversations with representatives Tom Howell, Dan Leman, Denny Anderson, Jeff Kern and Kari Schellie. Wieser Precast, Inc. in Williamsburg was the final stop of the tour. Wieser manufactures a wide line of precast products including permanent and temporary barrier rails, catch basins, intake and storm manholes, noise wall panels, bunker silos, feed bunks and hog feeders and fences. For more information on becoming a member of the Illinois Precast Concrete Association visit www.illinoisprecast.org.