CarbonCast High Performance Insulated Wall Panels

Precast wall systems that are lighter, better insulating and more sustainable

You can design and build with lighter, continuously insulated, truly sustainable, and more energy-efficient precast wall panels using CarbonCast technology.

CarbonCast Enclosure Systems use advanced technology to improve precast concrete by integrating ultra-strong, non-corrosive C-GRID into wall panels during fabrication. By taking the place of steel reinforcement, C-GRID provides a multitude of benefits that makes factory-made precast concrete an even more intelligent choice for building envelopes.

Depending on design, CarbonCast panels are priced competitively with other curtainwall systems, such as brick-veneered, masonry, stud walls, or concrete. And after factoring in reductions to superstructure requirements and potential HVAC system and operating savings, CarbonCast enclosure systems can help pay for themselves immediately.

Benefits of CarbonCast Enclosure Systems

• Full composite action for load bearing performance

• Continuous insulation to meet ASHRAE requirements

• Aesthetic versatility

Markets

• Multi-family

• Commercial

• Industrial

• Education

• Hospitality

• Student living

• Healthcare

• Institutional

Energy Efficient and Lighter in Weight

The exceptional bonding and strength of C-GRID trusses allow AltusGroup precasters to use less concrete and more insulating foam to reduce energy use and create lighter panels. They deliver superior insulation values for enhanced thermal efficiency and reduced energy expenditures.

Superior at Load Bearing

Vertical panels are available for both load bearing and non-structural applications. They can eliminate the need for perimeter columns and add to usable floor space.

Dry, Mold-Free and Non-Combustible

Unlike brick and block insulated cavity walls or brick with steel studs, concrete does not allow water to penetrate, eliminating the need for a rain screen design. CarbonCast panels have no voids or cavities where air or water can combine to support mold and mildew growth. When properly designed, they virtually eliminate the possibility for in-wall condensation. And the inherent fire resistance of concrete provides additional peace of mind.

Ideal for Occupant Comfort

CarbonCast High Performance Insulated Wall Panels provide an acoustic isolating environment. Very little sound is transmitted through the walls, which can provide an interior free of exterior noise. And the lack of cold spots provides a more comfortable environment.

Pre-Finished on the Inside Wall

These panels can have a troweled interior finish to eliminate the cost and time to install drywall or other surfaces. They are ready for paint or wall covering and are ultra-durable.

We are very excited about this innovative system and how it is changing the built environment for the better.

Find more information about CarbonCast here.

You think you know, but you have no idea - Part IV

By Mallory Combs, Marketing Intern

We recently sat down with the members of our Leadership Team to learn a little bit more about what makes them tick.  Here are some fun facts to help you get to know the team.

Paul Calvagna

Paul Calvagna, Director of Human Resources
Paul does the work he does now because he absolutely loves HR, and he considers himself lucky to have a job doing what he loves.  He enjoys helping people, watching people succeed, watching people be promoted, seeing a problem resolved, and watching people grow in a great company.  He believes when you do what you love, it isn’t a job, which I think many people would agree with.  Some artists he likes, but rarely admits to liking, are Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin because he says people look at him weird because of the ages of those songs and it ages you when you talk about the.  Something he will never do again is jump off a jet ski, because apparently there’s a difference between jumping off one at age 25 and age 55 (when it feels like you’re hitting concrete).  Paul was able to trick his young daughter Becca into believing the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie was a true story that happened in a nearby town… until a few hours later when she realized it took place in Texas, and that it wasn’t a true story.  A hobby that Paul has, that very few know, is that he collected old movies for years – anything in black and white, he would watch immediately.  His other hobbies include going to baseball games, staying active, jet skiing, and working hard around his home because he loves to stay busy.  Finally, Paul’s spirit animal is a monkey because they’re unpredictable, crazy, all over the place, and when you go to see them at the zoo, they’re always having fun.

Rich Bergemann

Rich Bergemann, Director of Engineering
Rich does the work he does now because he likes the organization and working with CAD.  An artist that Rich likes, but rarely admits to liking, is the Village People.  Something he will never do again is work on a hog farm.  A time Rich has tricked someone was when he was able to get West Point graduates to go underneath a tank with hammers checking for “soft spots” in the steel, telling them “it pings different,” which is not true.  A hobby Rich has that very few know is military and toy modeling.  His other hobbies include wine making, gardening, board gaming, and playing rugby.  Although we hope Rich’s last words will be far off, he wants them to be: “hopefully I served well.”  Finally, Rich’s spirit animal is a bear, because they’re strong, do great things if left alone, and if poked, they can get pissed off.

Bob MacDougall

Bob MacDougall, Controller
Bob does the work he does now because he enjoys working with individuals within the organization to maximize performance in their particular area, and he wanted to help coach others.  He was blessed to have a great mentor who knew how important the role of his job was in his life and others and passed down that perspective.  A song he likes, but rarely admits to liking, is Slow Hands by Niall Horan.  A hobby of Bob’s that very few know is that he likes to draw, especially replicating pictures he likes.  His other hobbies include kayaking, golf, four wheeling, and using ATVs.  We hope Bob’s last words are far down the road, but he would like to be able to say to his boys: “always love one another, even though I’m not here with you, I’m still with you.”  Finally, Bob’s spirit animal is a sloth, because they methodically analyze every move they make.

You think you know, but you have no idea - Part III

By Mallory Combs, Marketing Intern

We recently sat down with the members of our Leadership Team to learn a little bit more about what makes them tick.  Here are some fun facts to help you get to know the team.

Mike Wolff

Mike Wolff, Vice President of Safety and Plant Operations
Mike does the work he does now because he loves Mid-States, as well as the team here, and he has always had a passion for quality and safety.  Something you may not know is that Mike has a degree in Police Science and was going to be a cop, until he decided he didn’t want to work every weekend and wanted to enjoy holidays off.  An artist he likes, but rarely admits to liking, is John Denver, who he grew up listening to on 8-track tapes.  Something he will never do again is touch a hot stove, because, for some reason, it hurts!  A time Mike has been tricked was on his first day here at Mid-States, when Dan Rippl tricked him in to running a wheelbarrow for most of the day because Dan told him it was the only way Mike could gain his respect.  Some hobbies of Mike’s that very few know may include that he used to participate in Black Powder Rendezvous, sleeping in teepees, and dressing up in buck skins.  He even once sewed an entire buckskin outfit out of deer hides himself.  His other hobbies include hunting and trapping, spending time with his family grilling out, going to swim meets, going to opening day of hunting season with his family, and riding his Harley with his wife.  We hope that Mike’s last words are far off, but he would want to thank God and his family for a wonderful life and feel like he impacted the world positively.  Finally, Mike’s spirit animal is a hawk, because it has a keen eyesight and can view obstacles and challenges in advance, as well as because it only takes what it needs to survive and doesn’t waste.  Also, it is precise in its calculations when taking game and always puts its young’s survival first.

Michael McNett

Michael McNett, Director of Information Technology
Michael decided to go into IT because at 17, he co-owned an ISP (Internet Service Provider) and he had a passion for helping users.  He originally wanted to be a broker, until he realized what they really do: “make people broke.”  Michael enjoys listening to Justin Bieber, but thinks Justin Timberlake is the better Justin, which I wholeheartedly agree with.  Michael enjoys traveling, has stock in the Snapchat market, and is currently on the Tesla waiting list.  One way Michael has proved his commitment to hard work is through his motivation to mix his own concrete and pour his driveway.  Although we hope Michael’s last words will be far off, he hopes they will be: “Weeeeeeeee!”  Finally, Mike’s spirit animal is a dolphin-owl.  Not really sure what that is, but we’ll take it!

Tune in for Part IV tomorrow - featuring Paul Calvagna, Director of Human Resources, Rich Bergemann, Director of Engineering, and Bob MacDougall, Controller.

You think you know, but you have no idea - Part II

By Mallory Combs, Marketing Intern

We recently sat down with the members of our Leadership Team to learn a little bit more about what makes them tick. Here are some fun facts to help you get to know the team.

Jeremy Olivotti

Jeremy Olivotti, Vice President of Preconstruction
Jeremy came to Mid-States because he and his wife wanted to start a family, and he needed a steady job.  He decided to continue his work here because he was blessed to do work that impacts other people, and he finds a lot of joy in that.  A genre he likes, but rarely admits to liking, is country music.  Something Jeremy will never do again is skateboarding, because he is way too old to hurt that much anymore.  A time Jeremy has tricked someone was when he got his younger brother to eat a beef bouillon cube, telling him it was chocolate.  A hobby that he has, but very few know he does, is woodworking.  His other hobbies include watching the Cubs, hanging out with his family, spending time with his wife, stand-up paddle boarding, and boating.  We hope Jeremy won’t have his last words for a long time, but he would want them to be: “I love you,” because he hopes he will be with someone he loves.  Finally, Jeremy’s spirit animal is a dog, because they’re loyal, fierce, protective, playful, and sometimes they just want their belly rubbed.

Jaron Combs

Jaron Combs, Vice President of Construction
Jaron decided to do the work he does now because of the opportunities it provided for his family, and because of the people you get to work with internally and externally.  He also enjoys seeing the company and people grow.  An artist he likes, but rarely admits to liking, is Drake.  Jaron enjoys going to state parks with his family, Spartan races, golfing, racquetball, watching his kids’ activities, family movie night, and helping his wife, a special education teacher, with her students.  Jaron completed the Spartan Trifecta in 2015 and enjoys staying active.  He is also a diehard Bronco fan.  He has shown his commitment to hard work by finishing his basement almost completely on his own.  We hope that Jaron’s last words will be far off in the future, but he wants them to be: “what a blessed life.”  Finally, Jaron couldn’t come up with a spirit animal, so he’s taking suggestions.

Tune in for Part III tomorrow - featuring Mike Wolff, Vice President of Safety and Plant Operations, and Michael McNett, Director of Information Technology.

You think you know, but you have no idea - Part I

By Mallory Combs, Marketing Intern

We recently sat down with the members of our Leadership Team to learn a little bit more about what makes them tick. Here are some fun facts to help you get to know the team.

Hagen Harker

Hagen Harker, President
Hagen decided to go into the work he does now because he loves seeing people grow and achieving what they want out of life.  He also likes being a coach to his teammates and being part of the learning process.  He also likes that he can learn from others.  Hagen enjoys the challenge of trying to grow a business.  One artist Hagen likes, but rarely admits to liking, is the Beastie Boys.  Hagen enjoys swimming, walking dog, golfing, being outdoors, ice skating, and hockey.  Some hobbies you may not know Hagen enjoys include fishing, going to concerts, and that he used to collect beer cans because he thought the designs on them looked cool.  Hagen hopes his last words will be: "I love you guys."  I don't know about you, but that is the sweetest thing I've heard all week.  Finally, Hagen's spirit animal is either a dolphin or a cheetah, because they are fast and smart.

Charles Harker

Charles Harker, Chairman
Charles does the work he does now because he loves what his dad did.  He enjoyed talking about it during family dinners, and knew he had a passion for it.  Charles absolutely loves listening to jazz.  Something he will never do again though, is go on a roller coaster, especially after his experience with one at Disneyland.  A hobby of Charles’ that most people don’t know is that he enjoys meditating with his wife twice a day.  His other hobbies include golf and getting to spend time with his wife.  Charles’ number one goal is to protect his health and self-confidence with good habits.  He does this through avoiding negative people, getting eight hours of sleep, eating right, and spending time daily with his wife Prudy and his son Hagen.  His goal is to live to 120 because he believes if you think you’ll live longer, you’ll be able to enjoy the little moments, instead of worrying about not having enough time.  Charles always tries to stay optimistic, and always thinks about where growth can occur in his life, others lives, and the company, and likes to focus on self-improvement.  He says he is blessed to have worked with Charles V. Harker and Hagen, and to be able to have worked at Mid-States right out of college.  Charles has a sense of humor, and sometimes has to be told his sarcasm is too much!  His other qualities include being patient, listening to others instead of being a talker, being loyal, being dependable, and being honest.  Finally, Charles’ spirit animal is a lion, because of their strength, patience and quietness.

Tune in for Part II tomorrow - featuring Jeremy Olivotti, Vice President of Preconstruction, and Jaron Combs, Vice President of Construction.

Mid-States Company Picnic This Weekend

One of my favorite days of the year is coming up this weekend. On Saturday, Mid-States Concrete Industries will host its annual Company Picnic. About 200 adults and 75 kids are expected to come out for some delicious food, fun activities, plant tours and more.

Why is this one of my favorite days of the year? First, with running a 24-hour operation, this is one of the few days each year where all of us are on the same schedule. This means we get to see people we might not have the chance to see very often. It is a wonderful time to get to know your team, especially given the amount of time we spend with each other. Second, I love to see our team bring in their families and show off Mid-States as a place they are proud to work. With tours of our plant, spouses and children get to see what their partner/parent does all day. And, it gives our team a chance to show off why they come to work every day. We’re all just trying to do the best we can for our families. Third, it is just plain fun. With bag toss, ring toss, gunny sack races, a bounce house, water balloon toss, and delicious food, what’s not to enjoy? Plus, this year we have added a dunk tank and a chance to dunk your favorite executive. I have a feeling there will be a long line for this one!

Staying Ahead of the Industry: PCI Exceptional Precast Practices Program

Mid-States Concrete Industries is one of only seven producers in the nation to be part of the PCI Exceptional Precast Practices Program in 2017-2018.  The program focuses on continuous improvement, strives to improve efficiency and provide client value while placing safety and environmental responsibility at the forefront of business.

Producers that participate in the EPP Program may be described as follows:

• The firm is professionally managed and reliable

• Uses the latest tools and techniques

• Participates in the PCI QA program

• It has established processed and predictable results

• It is seeking continuous improvement

• It strives to improve efficiency and provide client value

• Takes safety seriously

• Takes environmental responsibility seriously

~ Information courtesy of PCI.

Innovative Graphic Concrete

In an effort to offer Customers the latest innovations in precast, the Mid-States Concrete Industries team has spent the past several months studying and testing the use of graphic concrete.

Graphic concrete enables durable patterns and images to be produced on precast surfaces through the use of a membrane with a surface retarder.  Concrete is cast on the membrane and when the retarder is washed away, the image is revealed (like in the image above, supplied by Graphic Concrete LTD).  Mid-States has partnered with Graphic Concrete LTD to learn more about this exciting new tool, so we can offer it to you.

Graphic Concrete has been used in more than 600 projects in 25 countries around the world by numerous architectural offices and concrete element factories.  Mid-States has used graphic concrete to cast our own logo into the new water reclamation center at our plant.  We have also experimented with how we could incorporate it into some of the projects we are currently involved with.

If you are interested in more information about graphic concrete, please contact sales@msprecast.com.

St. Augustine Preparatory Academy

Our mission is to build meaningful buildings in which to live, work and play. These are not just words to us, but an opportunity to impact people in an amazing way. We are extremely grateful to have been part of building St. Augustine Preparatory Academy in Milwaukee.

Mid-States was excited to partner on this project, and provided 96 Wall Panels (32,136 square-feet), five precast columns, and 1,562 square feet of Hollowcore for the school’s natatorium and gymnasium.

St. Augustine Preparatory Academy is a K4-12 non-denominational Christian school on Milwaukee’s south side. The school is a student-centered environment where young learners take ownership of their education not only in academics, but also physical health, creativity, and faith. The school’s vision statement is: “St. Augustine Preparatory Academy develops students to be tomorrow’s leaders. They will be known by their strength of character, courage, intellect, impactful contributions and their faith.”

The Ramirez Family Foundation supplied $43 million of the $53 million cost and is subsidizing students’ tuition at the private school. The 192,454 square-foot school was developed around a 5.6-acre parcel. The athletics facilities are open to the community and include a 1,000-seat gymnasium, a turf athletic field and running track on the 12-acre property, as well as a competition natatorium housing a competition-sized pool. St. Augustine is also home to an in-school health clinic.

The school’s curriculum is based on curriculums from successful schools across the country and sets high expectations for every student. It aims to be one of the highest performing urban schools in the country. St. Augustine Preparatory Academy just completed its first school year in 2017-18.

Project Partners:
   •  Owner: Achieving Educational Excellence Inc.
   •  GC: VJS Construction Services
   •  Architect: Korb & Associates Inc.
   •  EOR: Graef

Proud Partner of the Ronald McDonald House Madison Addition

Our mission is to build meaningful buildings in which to live, work and play. These are not just words to us, but an opportunity to impact people in an amazing way. We are extremely humbled and grateful to be able to work on the addition of Ronald McDonald House in Madison.

Without the services of Ronald McDonald House, families would be forced to choose between being with their child and incurring the financial burden and emotional toll of being away from home or not being close to their child. The Ronald McDonald House helps families stay together while away from home during some of the hardest times they will ever face. This addition will allow Ronald McDonald House to help even more families.

As Madison’s medical care has become increasingly sought-after, Ronald McDonald House Madison has seen an increase in need for its services. Last year, there were 461 night stays Ronald McDonald House Madison was not able to accommodate. Founded in 1993, Ronald McDonald House Madison has housed more than 26,000 families since it opened.

The Ronald McDonald House expansion will increase square footage from 17,600 to 32,000 and will provide an additional 13 guest rooms. The project will also include landscaped green space; expanded indoor and outdoor play areas; remodeled common areas and an improved kitchen and dining room; added underground and surface parking; more convenient guest access and improved entry security system; and a quiet room where guests and visitors can gather privately.

We are so proud to be part of this project. Precast on the addition includes nearly 9,000 square feet of hollowcore and solid slabs, 10 columns and 18 beams. The precast will be used for the underground parking area and to create the podium for the addition.

Learn more about Ronald McDonald House Madison and its Building on Hope Campaign: https://youtu.be/z6q5YKrkLY8.