815-416-1000UCP Spring 2017 Newsletter
Project Highlights
We have recently finished many exciting projects here at UCP. See some of the precast concrete solutions we created below!
Navy Pier Block Planters
Navy Pier celebrated its 100th birthday in 2016, and has been a centerpiece of the Chicago tourist industry since its inception. This iconic Chicago landmark is host to over three million visitors annually. We at Utility Concrete Products are proud to have been selected to help design, produce, and deliver precast concrete block planters which line the north side of the pier. Two different styles have been incorporated into the project, with one displaying the Navy Pier logo, and the other incorporating the four stars found on the City of Chicago Flag. Navy Pier was originally designed in way which form meets functionality, and it’s evident that this tradition continues with these block planters.
Click here to see additional Innovative Solutions projects
IDOT Pavement Patching
We recently produced over 150 precast concrete pavement slabs for an IDOT pavement patching project throughout various locations in Cook and DuPage Counties. Precast pavement slabs help minimize construction related congestion and have a lower overall impact on the motoring public. By utilizing precast, the slabs are produced in a controlled environment and follow strict quality control procedures. This results in a final precast product that is more durable than a traditional cast in place patch. Competitively priced, precast slabs are quickly becoming the preferred choice for pavement repairs.
Click here to see additional Innovative Solutions projects
O’Hare Spine Road Ductbank
UCP provided several structures for the O’Hare Spine Road Ductbank project, including eight large standard Electrical Distribution Manholes and a custom 27′-2″ x 9′-4″ x 9′-3″ HS-20 Rated X Manhole. Each half of this structure weighed nearly 70,000 lbs. This project required nighttime delivery and installation, as runways were required to be shut down in order to set the structures. The X Manhole was another precast solution to a cast-in-place design that allowed the installing contractor to quickly set the structure with minimal interference at the airport.
Click here to see additional Electrical projects
O’Hare 9C-27C East Package
Over 77 million passengers traveled through Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in 2016, making it the 4th busiest airport in the world. O’Hare International Airport continues to invest in infrastructure improvements with the addition of a new runway and taxiway. Pictured left is a 4-Structure CED Cluster (Common Electrical Duct) utilizing precast concrete manholes provided by Utility Concrete Products. Communication and coordination between the contractor and UCP allowed fabrication and installation processes to maximize efficiency to meet demanding project schedules.
Click here to see additional Electrical projects
BNSF Wide Span Crane
UCP provided over two miles of precast concrete barrier for the BNSF Wide Span Crane project in Elwood, IL. A majority of the barrier is painted yellow and contains a sign saying “High Voltage Keep Out”. Lining the tracks with concrete barrier was a cost effective way to provide protection from the six, massive high voltage 12.5 kV cranes that were recently constructed to assist with unloading trains at the BNSF railyard. We also provided a large number of manholes and handholes for this project.
Click here to see additional Barrier projects
Meet our Team: UCP Production
Doug Carncross – Foreman, works directly with our sister company, StormTrap, to ensure top quality and timely project completion dates for the stormwater detention systems. Doug is involved in creating concrete mix designs and is responsible for much of the concrete pouring that occurs in our facility.
Eric Carncross – Vice President of Operations, started his career with UCP in the accounting department before transitioning to the plant working as a Foreman, Operations Manager, and finally Vice President overseeing all operations of the business. He earned a degree in Finance from Bradley University.
Timothy Gile – Foreman, recently joined UCP after graduating from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Civil Engineering. Tim has been learning the ropes with regards to production, quality control, and running the concrete mixer. We are very excited to have Tim as a part of our team.
Robert Gilich – Foreman, has been with our company for more than two years, coming to us with 12 years of experience in the construction field. He is responsible for mixer operation and concrete pouring, along with supervising high quality and efficient production of all kinds during the second shift. Robert earned a Construction Management degree from the College of Dupage.
Joe Price – Foreman, joined Divane Bros. after graduating from Illinois State University with a degree in Construction Management. Joe came to UCP over two years ago as a foreman and has been responsible for supervising and scheduling many of our high profile projects such as CTA platforms and the Northwestern University Wave Wall. Joe will be missed in the production department as he is set to transition to the role of Project Manager in the Sales and Engineering department.
Eduardo Vargas – Plant Superintendent, has been a part of the UCP team for over eight years coming to us from the home building industry. Eduardo began at UCP as a foreman before becoming Plant Superintendent. He supervises the construction of all product lines and is responsible for production scheduling. Eduardo studied at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Enrique Vargas – Foreman, joined UCP over nine years ago after leaving the home building industry. Enrique supervises specialty structures, soundwall, and many of the custom projects that we produce here at UCP. He earned a degree from the University of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Request a Precast Product Handbook
We recently revamped our Precast Product Handbook and have physical copies available that we would love to send to you! Click here to request a hard copy of our catalog.
We also have a downloadable version available on our website. Click here to view the pdf of the catalog.