Case study · Construction + Products
A precast yard that needed both formliners and rubber gaskets.
The panel side of the business wanted textured formliners. The connection side wanted rubber gaskets that fitted the panel edges. One yard, two divisions.
The brief
What the customer arrived with.
A precast yard producing architectural facade panels needed a new formliner pattern for an upcoming project — a shallow textured relief across the panel face. Separately, they needed EPDM rubber gaskets sized to their standard panel-to-panel joint. They were sourcing the two from different suppliers and wanted to consolidate.
How it went
Stage by stage.
The formliner — Construction
We built a large silicone formliner in the pattern the architect had specified. Tin-cure silicone chosen for the alkaline-concrete resistance and for the cost — the pattern was single-project, not a standing tool. It came off the panel face cleanly across the full run.
The gasket — Products
EPDM rubber gasket compression-moulded in the yard's standard panel-edge profile. Standing tool, monthly reorder to their forecast. Consistent dimension to a much tighter tolerance than the formliner.
Consolidation
The yard now buys both from us on a single trading account. One vendor to onboard, one contact for both product types, one invoicing arrangement.
The result
The project's panels went up on schedule with the specified texture and the sealing performance the architect had asked for. Both product lines continue as repeat work.
Lessons
What we took from the job.
What we took from it
Precast yards often source silicone tooling and rubber consumables from different places. Consolidating them removes a supplier without losing specialist attention on either product.
What we took from it
Different tolerances and different materials, one supplier — perfectly workable when the workshop runs both.
What we took from it
The paperwork consolidation was the single most valued outcome for the yard's admin team.
Related
Where to read next.
One supplier, four capabilities, one PO if you want it.
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Which divisions worked on this
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Thomas LaneManaging Director
George PrestonDesign & Project Manager
Kelly BallingerHead of Partnerships
Jim AndertonProduction Manager
TheodoreEmployee Welfare