Ottawa Construction News special feature
SiteCast Construction, experts in the design and construction of tilt-up concrete panels for two decades, recently announced a new service: foundation forming.
Since 1991, SiteCast has been recognized for its innovative construction techniques which have advanced the tilt-up industry throughout North America. The company works with architects, engineers, school boards and other industry professionals to harness the advantages and capacities of tilt-up.
Ottawa Construction News asked Shawn Hickey, president, SiteCast Construction about the announcement and what it will bring to the industry and SiteCast’s clients.
What has the role of SiteCast historically been?
Throughout North America, SiteCast is known for tilt-up. In fact, we’re a Canadian pioneer in this industry. We’ve have been pushing the envelope on what can be achieved with concrete finishes and insulated panels.
We’ve completed projects in the schools, retail, office, industrial, and defense/security, sectors in Ontario and abroad. (SiteCast’s recent projects include the Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton, the LCBO in Kemptville and the Janet Lee Elementary School addition in Stoney Creek.)
In the beginning we worked directly with our affiliate company, Colonnade Development, however over the past few years we’ve expanded our program by working with general contractors as their panel sub-contractors. Because SiteCast is signatory to the Carpenters Union we are available to work for all contractors.
How has your experience in tilt-up translated into foundation forming?
We realized there is a requirement for high quality, accurate foundation forming in our region. Since we already have the skill set, mindset, labour and materials, it was a natural extension to our tilt-up business model.
Both services start with the same basic materials: forms and concrete. Tilt-up requires precision and accuracy to within an eighth of an inch so over the years we’ve developed proven processes and quality assurance methodologies. Moving to foundations is a logical step: we know the materials, carpenters and have the quality control programs to be successful.
What will the addition of forming work bring to projects SiteCast is involved with?
If we are just doing the forming, we’ll bring proven processes and precision. We have the expertise in co-ordination of accurate framing and embed layout/placement.
If we are doing both the forming and the tilt-up panels, clients will also benefit from the consistency, reliability and savings that come with dealing with a one-stop-shop. Co-ordination of forming and anchoring details would be retained under one contract.
What challenges do you expect to encounter?
Costing. We know the industry is often driven by the bottom line, rather than a balance of price and quality. We have to be cost-competitive while remaining true to our quality control program. This balance will be our challenge.
Is there anything else you wish to add?
We’re very excited to be launching this business within SiteCast. The two projects we’ve completed so far – The Beer Store in Kemptville and an orthodontic office — have run really smoothly and we’re looking forward to more projects. Quality, speed, communication and innovation are the four pillars of our business. We must deliver on all aspects to remain successful.
For more information, visit www.sitecast.ca.
