Precast and Pipe Show to be Held in Houston

The American Concrete Pipe Association and the National Precast Concrete Association have come together this year to sponsor The Precast Show at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston on Feb. 20-22, 2009. Thousands of attendees representing the precast and concrete pipe industries nationwide including manufacturers/producers, suppliers, engineers, contractors, technicians and consultants will be on-hand to see the latest in equipment, products and services to better position themselves in a challenging concrete market.

"The Precast Show is an equipment and services trade show designed by precasters and suppliers, and it puts the focus squarely on manufacturing, safety, technical training and the producers who are doing award-winning work in this industry," said Ty E. Gable, president of the National Precast Concrete Association, which is producing the event. "We're launching a new trade show in the midst of a recession, but we've had very good response so far and we expect a successful show."

The show will appeal to a large segment of U.S. construction. Concrete pipe and precast concrete products are a $5 billion industry. "The partnership is a natural fit for both trade associations," said 2008 ACPA Chairman Bill Washabaugh. "We share many of the same suppliers, much of the same production equipment needs and run our plants in similar ways. The opportunities for technical training and networking will benefit both groups greatly."

The ACPA will hold its Annual Production Short Course before the trade show at the Hyatt Regency Houston from Feb. 17-20, a three-day concrete pipe educational conference featuring tours to Houston-area plants including Hanson Pipe and Precast, Rinker Materials' Concrete Pipe Division (CEMEX) and Ivy Steel & Wire.

Technical training provides a major focus of The Precast Show, with three days of courses in eight educational tracks. The Precast Show also includes the industry's biggest awards event, The Salute to Excellence. Both NPCA and ACPA will be presenting awards at the event, which includes an exclusive performance by country music star LeAnn Rimes.

More information on the ACPA Annual Production Short Course can be obtained by contacting the ACPA at (972) 506-7216 or by visiting the website at www.concrete-pipe.org. Information about The Precast Show is available at www.theprecastshow.org or by contacting NPCA's Brenda Ibitz at (317) 582-5109 or bibitz@precast.org.