Jensen Builders of Fort Dodge is now the general contractor and has started pouring foundations. We expect to have the building enclosed by this fall and the plant operational by next spring. The one thing about building in the city is you don't just go out, stick a shovel in the ground, and start building, like  in rural Iowa. There are many details that many people want settled before permits are issued to even begin the project.  Curt now knows more about trees and bushes than he ever thought he would!

One interesting aspect of this job is all the walls will be precast insulated panels poured on site using our own concrete then erected. Jensens bought 4 forms capable of pouring 10' x 34' panels. We hope this will generate some interest in this method of construction and sell some concrete. They already have some leads on other buildings, so it looks promising. It will also allow us to use more of our own product on the job.

The plant in the building will be a Coneco with six aggregate bins and four cement silos - all inside. The office part will include a quality control lab along with driver facilities. The plant was delivered the second week in August and erection has begun.

As you can see from the rendering on the cover page of this newsletter, this building will be very attractive and with its visibility from I-35, which this property fronts, it should give Manatts a good impression in the area.