Precast Services Inc.: Specializing in Experience, Dedication and Performance

Precast Services Inc. (PSI), an Ohio-based subcontractor, is celebrating 25 successful years in business in 2013. The team at PSI specializes in the erection of architectural and structural precast components for parking garages, exterior building facades, correctional facilities, athletic stadiums, control towers, data centers, as well as a multitude of other structures.

PSI’s headquarters is located in Twinsburg, Ohio, though the company has satellite offices in Columbus, Ohio, and Ephrata, Pa., as well. “Our offices do not represent any geographical work limitations,” stresses Bo Kusznir, CEO of PSI. “We have employees in multiple states and have the ability to meet our customer’s needs wherever they may take us. We have and will continue to spend a lot of time on the road.”

In 1988 Charles Mayer and fellow cofounders Barry Cooper and Jim Mirgilotta combined efforts to address what was perceived to be a void in the construction market: the lack of companies who specialized exclusively in the erection of precast concrete products. What began as a small team of individuals evolved into one of the largest, well-renowned and respected independent precast erectors in the United States.

After many years of service and commitment to customers and employees alike, Mayer retired in 2011. Kusznir, current CEO of PSI, resided as the standing three-year president, after working his way up from project manager through company ranks.

Certification and Experience Make a Difference

PSI provides erection services to precast fabricators, erecting products to the highest standards as specified by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI), the foremost developer of standards and methods for designing, fabricating and constructing precast concrete structures.

As the only Ohio-based PCI-certified erector, PSI crews are certified in the erection of both structural and architectural precast components. To maintain the PSI status, PCI-certified field auditors audit PSI crews twice each year, with at least one of the two audits conducted by an independent auditor.

The comprehensive audits encompass all aspects of the erection process to ensure all products are erected utilizing comparative quality and safety protocols. Items audited include layout, tools and equipment, component handling, rigging, stability, connections, and grouting and tolerances. Audits also encompass all safety aspects, including training, crane operation and maintenance, proper use of tools and equipment, written safety programs, welding and electrical safety, fall protection, as well as record keeping.

Recent Undertakings

The Nanotechnology Research Facility (NFX) in Albany, N.Y., was one of the company’s largest undertakings to date. The 250,000-square foot facility, constructed entirely from precast concrete structural components, reflects over $4.4 billion in investments from Intel, IBM, Samsung and other companies in an effort to create the next generation of computer chips.

At the peak of the erection activities, PSI utilized a Manitowoc 2250 (300-ton capacity) crane, as well as a Manitowoc 16000 (400-ton capacity) crane. The team dedicated two crews working 12-hour days, seven days a week to meet the owner’s and fabricator’s aggressive schedule. This complex structure utilized specially constructed jumbo tees, which are floor components, measuring 120 feet in length, weighing up to 145,400 pounds each.

PSI is also involved in The Ohio State University (OSU) James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The hospital will offer world-class care to patients, helping meet a projected 21 percent in admissions over the next 10 years. OSU is developing one of very few aboveground radiation oncology units in the country, offering patients natural light and outside views during treatment.

PSI is involved in projects throughout the United States and employs professionals who have erected structures from Hartford, Conn., to Stillwater, Okla. The following sites all broke ground in late 2012: St. Lukes Hospital Parking Garage in Allentown, Pa.; the National Guard Emergency Center in Frankfort, Ky.; the Philadelphia Zoo Parking Garage in Philadelphia, Pa.; Rowen University Parking Garage in Glassboro, N.J.; Oklahoma State University Parking Garage in Stillwater, Okla.; and the Lifetime Fitness Facility and Parking Garage in Montvale, N.J.

Specializing and Adapting

PSI has based its business around the original niche that the company was founded upon: work hard to achieve customer satisfaction by providing quality workmanship and service. In tough economic times, the company has been able to use this niche and flexibility to travel to its advantage. “Our goal is to satisfy our customers needs, period,” explains Kusznir.

Kusznir understands that with a recession, often comes a change in markets. However, this hasn’t stopped PSI from flourishing. “We have had our fair share of work in markets like Chicago and Detroit, but there just hasn’t been as much work in these areas in the past three to four years,” explains Kusznir. “The Northeast has always been strong. We have worked consistently in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.” This ability to shift from market to market has enabled the company to weather the economic storm.

Kusznir admits the company would like to return to its previous larger markets in the years ahead, as well as expand in others. “We will refocus on those markets as the economy improves, regaining our market share in these areas,” he says.

In a challenging economy, Kusznir says he looks to customer satisfaction more than profit to gauge the company’s success. “Judging by profit alone, it might appear we have achieved moderate success compared to previous years,” he details. “If I look at customer satisfaction, however, we are definitely doing as well or better servicing more customers than ever before.”

PSI knows its clients are happy based upon the amount of repeat business. “We generally work for the same clients all the time,” explains Kusznir. “It’s a small industry. Repeat business is a necessity.”

Precast understands the unique field installation requirements of each project and the importance of complete project management. After 25 years in business, Precast Services Inc. continues to provide valuable, highly specialized erection services to clients.