Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) members opened their doors and welcomed visitors for 2023 PCI Precast Days, October 9-20. Precast concrete producers across the country welcomed school and neighborhood groups for tours and to explain how precast concrete is manufactured into some of the most innovative buildings and bridges being built today. 

“It’s always a joy to show students and educators the wonders of precast concrete,” said Jessica Cubbage, field project manager at GATE Precast in Oxford, N.C. “Our industry offers flexibility to many different upcoming trade students in their future occupational choices. Working closely with trade programs at all levels will ensure our industry has the educated workforce to move forward in the future.” 

GATE Precast was one of several companies that participated. On October 12, the Oxford plant welcomed educators from Vance-Granville Community College and three local high schools. The morning began with a short presentation followed by a tour. An architect and a general contractor also participated. This was followed with a BBQ lunch as part of the plant’s end-of-summer celebration. 

“PCI Precast Days is a reminder of the strong community that exists in the precast concrete industry,” added Vanessa Ramirez, GATE Precast’s vice president, human resources. “We’re like a family, working together to build a better world, one precast project at a time.”

In 2022, PCI’s producer members sales totaled $7.1 billion. Its 153 producer members operate 260 PCI-certified plants. Precast, prestressed concrete has been used in North American for more than seven decades. It is manufactured off-site in a controlled environment with a high degree of quality control. The material is used in both architectural and structural applications. PCI and its members focus primarily on aboveground structures, including low- to high-rise buildings, parking structures, bridges, and other structures.