In this episode of Precast Chalk Talk, President Hagen Harker explores our Germantown, WI plant - International Concrete Products - and learns more about our sample process.
Save the Date: AIA Iowa Annual Convention - September 25 & 26
The 2025 AIA Iowa Annual Convention will take place Thursday, September 25 and Friday, September 26 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, IA. This year’s theme is Resilience. Resilience reminds us to sustain the well being of the human and natural environment we design while adapting to real-world challenges.
Visit Mid-States Concrete Industries in Booth 54 from 7:30 - 8 am, 9:30 - 10:45 am, 11:45 am - 1:15 pm, 2:15 - 3:45 pm, and 5 - 7 pm on Thursday. On Friday, catch the team from 7:45 - 8:15 am and 9:45 - 11:15 am.
We love attending this event and sharing our love of precast and its benefits with attendees. Plus, it is a great time to catch up about all the projects you are working on. Our team offers dedicated sales, estimating, project management, engineering, design, production, and installation teams to meet all of your precast needs. Design teams are such an important part of the success of any project. It is a privilege to partner with the best around. We look forward to seeing you and learning about your latest projects.
Step into Precast with Confidence: A Guide for Builders
Starting your first precast concrete project might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
At Mid-States Concrete Industries, we’re here to make the process simple, smooth, and successful from start to finish. Whether you’re a general contractor, developer, or design partner, here’s a step-by-step look at how we work with you to bring your project to life using high-quality, PCI Certified precast solutions.
Step 1: Bring Us in Early
The earlier we’re involved, the better. Our team collaborates with you during the planning and design phase to identify the most efficient precast solutions for your project. We can help with budgeting, layout recommendations, and value engineering right from the start.
Step 2: Design Assist and Coordination
Once the vision is clear, we work closely with architects, engineers, and your team to finalize design details, including panel dimensions, finishes, connections, and layout. Our in-house engineering team ensures your structure is both buildable and beautiful.
Step 3: Precision Precasting in Our Facility
With design locked in, we manufacture each component in our controlled PCI Certified plant, meeting strict quality and safety standards. Products like hollowcore slabs, stairs, wall panels, beams, and columns are built to spec and made to last.
Step 4: Delivery and On-Site Installation
We coordinate delivery and installation with your schedule to keep things moving. Our field crews are trained for efficient, safe placement of each precast piece, reducing delays and labor costs on site.
Step 5: Project Support Through Completion
From start to finish — and beyond — we’re here to support your project. Our team stays in close communication to ensure everything is aligned, questions are answered, and your goals are met on time and on budget.
Why Work with Mid-States?
You’ll work with a PCI Certified team committed to quality.
You benefit from decades of experience across industries.
Your project stays on track with our proven, step-by-step process.
You’ll have a partner trusted on schools, warehouses, parking, and more.
You’ll be supported by a team that treats your project like their own.
Ready to Build with Confidence?
Explore our website to see how our team can support your next project with reliable precast solutions, expert guidance, and a process built around your success.
Precast Chalk Talk: Episode 70
In this episode of Precast Chalk Talk, President Hagen Harker explores our Germantown, WI plant, International Concrete Products, and explains the process of casting architectural precast wall panels.
More Than Just a Floor: 5 Ways Hollowcore is Versatile
When people think of hollowcore, they often think of it underfoot — strong, smooth, and supporting floors in schools, stadiums, or apartment buildings.
But hollowcore does so much more. Thanks to its strength, long-span capabilities, and design flexibility, hollowcore is one of the most adaptable solutions we offer. Whether you're building stair systems, roofs, parking garages, or mezzanines, it helps accelerate construction, reduce costs, and deliver long-term performance.
Here are five ways hollowcore adds value far beyond traditional flooring:
Mezzanines That Open Up Space
Hollowcore supports wide, column-free mezzanine levels, perfect for warehouses, retail spaces, or industrial buildings where open layout is crucial.Durable Roof Structures
Its load-bearing strength and resistance to wind, fire, and extreme weather make hollowcore an ideal choice for roof systems.Efficient Parking Solutions
Whether underground or above grade, hollowcore simplifies construction for parking. It handles heavy traffic and supports faster project schedules.Industrial Platforms and Walkways
From catwalks to elevated work areas, hollowcore installs quickly and supports heavy equipment or foot traffic, ideal for manufacturing and logistics spaces.Integrated Stair Systems
Hollowcore works seamlessly in stair and landing designs, offering fire resistance, acoustic benefits, and compatibility with other precast components.
So… Why Choose Hollowcore?
Creates open layouts with fewer structural interruptions
Performs well in demanding weather and load conditions
Speeds up installation for faster project delivery
Contributes to safer, quieter, and more efficient buildings
Want to See How Hollowcore Can Work for You?
Explore our project pages to see how hollowcore fits into your next project, whether you’re building up, over, or in between. Let us help you find the right solution to get the job done faster, safer, and smarter.