Credit: Original article published here.

In recent years Wells Concrete has developed and tested items outside typical precast.  This has been driven by our own desire to go beyond just providing precast to providing building solutions.  Additionally, input from the voices of our customers notes that a frequent problem spot in buildings is intersections where components from different trades meet.

To meet this challenge, Wells has formed various degrees of partnerships and collaborative efforts with other companies including other trades, precasters, material vendors, and testing companies.  Some examples of items from the last couple years:  How to install windows into precast and then ship and erect them without breakage.  How to get good adhesion between sprayfoam and concrete.  How to design and produce fiber reinforced concrete.  How to apply joint sealants and run an air infiltration test.  How to install firesafing at windows and floor lines.  How to utilize CNC cut components.

A typical cooperate effort starts off to solve an existing problem or provide a new solution.  We create a concept level detail and improve it while developing production methods by involving people with expertise in different fields.  We then test – adjust – and test again as necessary until the product is performing well.  Lastly before the detail, method, or material is put into use, production methods and quality control checks are finalized.

The biggest benefit of collaboration partnerships is the immediate access expertise in other fields.  Additionally, in my experience our partners have been often been better suited and sometimes had facilities to conduct performance testing.  Lastly, there is a cost to product development and cooperating can reduce an individual company’s cost.

Tim Edland
Research and Development Director