As promised, our Employee Spotlight series puts the focus on the people behind the work at ATMI Precast. This month, we’re excited to introduce Steve Granato.

Getting to Know Steve

What’s your current role at ATMI Precast?

I am a “Senior Project Coordinator” which involves coordinating with the internal team. Modeler (who is responsible for creating the shop drawings), Design Engineer (who is responsible for connection and panel design) and the Piece Part Drafter (who is responsible for creating the drawings used for panel production). I guide the team through the approval and production process; all the while working with the external team (GC, AOR, EOR). I am also responsible for coordinating with the production and erection teams (as well as performing QC along the way).

I have been a good resource for Production to call with issues early in the morning or when a job’s Project Coordinator is unavailable.

Periodically, I have been tasked with training Modelers, Piece Part Drafters, and future Project Coordinators.

How long have you been with ATMI Precast?

I’ve been here with ATMI Precast for 10 years.

What is one project you’re especially proud to have worked on? Why?

There are two projects I am proud to have worked on: V-Tec and Orchestra Hall.

V-Tech was a project that was never built, but several precast panels were produced. Vertical and horizontal panels were shaped like canoes. The process of figuring out how to present this information to the Mold Maker was very challenging and rewarding.

During extensive renovations of the Orchestra Hall, existing terra-cotta cornices at parapet needed to be removed and reinstalled by embedding into precast and hung from reconstructed facade. The collaboration required between GC, AOR, EOR, Precaster, and Erector was quite the learning experience.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from working at ATMI?

Listen to, learn from, collaborate with, and trust ALL the “teams” at ATMI (Engineering, Production, Erection, Project Management, etc…)

Who has influenced or mentored you in your career?

I have been doing this for nearly 50 years and have many mentors. The top three are as follows:

Fred Hakimian- Architect

I worked for Fred for 25 years, learning how to detail precast and communicate to architects, engineers, production and erection crews through well-prepared shop drawings.

Erhard Garni- owner of Advanced Cast Stone.

I was fortunate to have prepared erection and production drawings for this experienced Precaster. He was always willing to share his knowledge.

Tom Blazek- VP of Engineering, Gate Precast-Monvoeville

Extremely good Precast Engineer, well versed in production and erection concerns. He placed a good deal of trust in me and I gained much confidence as a result.

How would you describe the culture of ATMI Precast to someone new?

The culture at ATMI Precast is definitely one of teamwork. Most every person in every department is willing to extend their knowledge and experience in the advancement of a successful project/coworker!

What do you like to do outside of work?

Exercise, cooking, and reading. My first grandchild will be born in April, and I plan for her to replace one of the above!

What’s one word your teammates would use to describe you?

Resource.

What’s your favorite saying, quote, or piece of advice you live by?

“Speed kills.”

Tell us about a time where ATMI delivered on “As Promised”.

Quite honestly, every project that I have worked on in my 10 years at ATMI, “As Promised” was ATMI’s mantra long before it became their slogan.

Our team is excited to share that one of our recent projects was featured in the Winter 2026 edition of Ascent® Magazine, PCI’s quarterly publication sharing the most up-to-date information for the precast industry.

The Casa Durango project is an affordable multifamily housing development in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood on the Lower West Side. Designed to serve the community while respecting the character of the area, Casa Durango is the kind of work we’re proud to be part of.

It’s an honor for this project to be included in Ascent and we’re grateful to have played a role alongside a talented team of partners.

Read the full project write-up in Ascent’s Winter 2026 edition here: Ascent • Winter 2026

We’re proud to share a milestone that highlights a lot of the behind-the-scenes work, investment, and commitment from our team: ATMI Precast has achieved PCI AA Architectural Precast Certification. This is the highest level of architectural certification under the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) Plant Certification Program.

Moving ATMI from AC to AA certification, this milestone is a direct reflection of the steady work we’ve put into quality, technical expertise, and manufacturing excellence.

PCI AA certification is awarded to producers who can manufacture the most complex architectural precast elements while meeting PCI’s most rigorous standards for production and quality control. Put simply, this certification means our plant, processes, and people have been independently verified to handle architectural precast at the highest level.

Now as an AA-certified producer, ATMI Precast is qualified to produce advanced architectural precast components, including:

• Complex architectural finishes such as intricate form liners, deep reveals, and high-definition textures
• Panels incorporating multiple concrete mixtures, colors, and textures within a single precast element
• Large and geometrically complex panels, including curved, angled, and multi-plane elements
• Tight dimensional tolerances and enhances aesthetic consistency
• Critical architectural applications where appearance, consistency, and durability truly matter

Our commitment to delivering both gray and architectural precast with the same care, collaboration, and attention to detail As Promised  hasn’t changed. What has changed is our ability to support even more demanding architectural designs with expanded capabilities.

We’re proud of our team for the hard work and dedication that led to this achievement. It’s also a result of the continued trust from our partners and that’s something we don’t take lightly. We’re excited to continue supporting your architectural precast projects with the added confidence and capability that comes with PCI AA certification. If you’d like to read more about our PCI certifications, you can find that information here.

As promised, our Employee Spotlight series puts the focus on the people behind the work at ATMI Precast. This month, we’re excited to introduce Abbie Armbruster.

Getting to Know Abbie

What’s your current role at ATMI Precast?

My current role is Business and Employee Development.

How long have you been with ATMI Precast?

I’ve been here for a little over five years, officially.

How did you get started in the precast industry?

I was born into the industry. My dad started ATMI Precast so I have been around precast since I can remember.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in precast?

I would say that 99% of people who join our team do not come into the industry with precast experience. So do not let that intimidate you from getting into the industry or joining the ATMI Precast team because there is no precast school out there. Everything is just hands-on. So as long as you’re someone who is open to learning and open to new ideas, you will be successful.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from working at ATMI?

Precast moves so quickly. So, I think the main thing that I have learned is you cannot over-communicate between the different departments, especially because there’s so much going on. We’re all kind of in our own worlds in each of our departments, but if you learn something and another department isn’t aware, that could affect so many other things down the road. So over-communicating is one of the key things I have learned in my time here.

What’s one word your teammates would use to describe you?

Positive. Because it’s such a fast-paced environment that we’re working in and your stress levels can be high with a never ending to do list, I try to always have a smile on my face when I’m greeting my colleagues and just stay positive to help keep others positive around me.

What’s your idea of a perfect Saturday?

A perfect Saturday is waking up at my house, having a leisurely start to my day, maybe a trip to Costco with my daughter, and probably watching some sporting event on TV and hanging out and relaxing with my family.

Do you have any secret talents or hobbies?

I really enjoy reading outside of work. I enjoy reading historical fiction with a little bit of real history but has that story element incorporated into it. I’m currently reading The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. It’s a standalone book that features a murder mystery. I’m very curious to find out what the historical piece of the story is that’s true. I’m really enjoying it and don’t want to put it down.

Midwest winters bring their own set of challenges to construction. Cold snaps, quick temperature changes, and long stretches of freezing weather can slow or shut down a job.  Even so, many owners and developers can’t afford to wait for warmer months. Projects are moving faster, labor is harder to secure, and teams are looking for ways to keep work on track no matter the season.

These conditions are why more teams are turning to precast construction.

How Precast Supports Steady Winter Construction

Cold weather complicates cast-in-place work. Temperature swings slow curing, freeze-thaw cycles add risk, and site crews must monitor conditions closely. Precast sidesteps those issues by shifting the work into a controlled environment.

ATMI casts and cures all products indoors. Production stays on track regardless of outdoor conditions, and the finished components show up onsite ready for installation. This steady flow of material allows the field team to continue erecting the structure even on days when traditional concrete work would have to pause.

Managing Winter Jobsite Conditions More Effectively

Winter doesn’t just affect concrete, it affects everything happening on the site. Precast helps simplify several of the challenges that come with cold-season construction.

Fewer trades competing for space

Snow and ice reduce workable areas on the ground. Because precast limits the number of field crews needed, the site becomes easier to navigate and safer for everyone involved.

Straightforward installation

Precast elements are delivered ready to set, so the erection team can continue making progress without relying on ideal temperatures. This reduces the amount of rescheduling that typically happens during winter months.

Consistent quality in any weather

All precast products are produced under the same controlled conditions. The finish, strength, and appearance remain reliable, even when the temperature outside isn’t.

Where Winter Precast Construction Makes the Most Difference

Some building types depend on steady winter progress more than others.

Data Centers

These projects move quickly, and any delays in the structure can push back critical mechanical and electrical work. Precast keeps the schedule moving at a pace owners expect.

Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities

Industrial projects often have tight openings tied to equipment installation, production schedules, or tenant commitments. Keeping structural work on track during the winter helps protect those downstream milestones.

Parking Structures

Many construction projects for local universities, cities, and hospitals plan for spring or summer openings. The ability to erect a parking garage in the middle of winter helps these clients stay on track with this timetable.

Setting Up a Project for Successful Winter Precast Construction

As with any project, planning ahead allows teams to get the most value out of winter precast work. Clear coordination early in the process makes a big difference.

A few practices help the project run smoothly:

• Involve the precast engineer early so design decisions align with manufacturing and erection.
• Prepare foundations and utilities before winter sets in, so erection can start as soon as pieces are delivered.
• Coordinate crane operations and trucking routes early to avoid seasonal bottlenecks.
• Use the indoor production window to keep precast manufacturing active even when site activity slows.

With the right preparation, winter becomes a productive part of the schedule instead of a waiting period.

Why Precast Will Continue to See More Winter Use in 2026

Owners want dependable schedules and predictable outcomes. Precast supports that need by offering:

• Reliable production in controlled conditions
• Steady erection even in cold temperatures
• Fewer field labor requirements
• Less exposure to weather-driven delays
• Strong, consistent quality

These advantages make winter precast construction a practical choice for teams facing tighter timelines and higher expectations heading into 2026.

ATMI Precast: Built for Every Season

ATMI Precast is equipped to support projects throughout the year. Our indoor production facility, experienced engineering team, and ability to erect structures in all seasons help keep projects moving when it matters most.

As demand grows for reliable schedules, winter precast construction gives owners and contractors a dependable way to maintain progress and reduce risk. With ATMI, winter doesn’t slow the work, it simply becomes another phase of building.

Precast concrete has long delivered strength, repeatability, and dependable schedules. As we head into 2026, what’s changing is how much design flexibility and performance these systems can offer. Owners and project teams want every square foot to do more; boost energy efficiency, slim down structures, sharpen aesthetics, and use materials smarter.

Here are five precast design innovations to watch in 2026 that are reshaping structure, enclosure, and architectural expression.

1. Smarter, More Integrated Precast Systems
   Precast design is shifting from “parts and pieces” to fully coordinated systems. Instead of designing beams, columns, and walls separately, more teams are treating precast as one complete structural and enclosure package.

What that looks like in real projects:

• Coordinated floor and wall systems designed together for efficient load paths
• Standardized connection details that speed up both engineering and erection
• Layouts that anticipate mechanical and electrical routing from the start

For owners and contractors, this system-focused approach cuts down on field fixes and handoffs. The payoff is fewer surprises, faster decisions, and schedules you can trust.

2. High Performance Insulated Wall Systems
   Energy performance and operating costs aren’t getting any cheaper. Modern insulated precast panels answer both by combining structure, insulation, and exterior finish in one assembly, helping projects meet stricter energy codes without adding extra layers in the field.

Why teams are leaning in:

• Continuous insulation with fewer thermal bridges
• Factory controlled placement of insulation and wythe connectors
• Integrated structural wythe that carries loads while the interior wythe provides a clean finish surface

These wall systems are especially well suited for data centers, manufacturing, cold storage, and any building where temperature control and envelope performance matters. They also help building teams to close in the structure quickly so interior work can start sooner.

3. Slimmer Structural Assemblies
   Owners want efficiency. Contractors want speed. Engineers still need strength. New modeling tools and mix designs are letting precast hit all three with slimmer profiles that still perform.

In practice, this can look like:

• Thinner floor members that maintain span capacity
• More efficient ribbed or voided sections that reduce self-weight
• Optimized reinforcement layouts that match actual demand

Slimmer assemblies free up headroom, help reduce total building height where needed, and can lower overall material and foundation loads. In short: a lighter structure without sacrificing durability or performance.

4. Hybrid Structural Solutions
   Hybrid approaches are becoming the norm, not the exception as teams look for the best combination of speed, flexibility, and performance. Precast works well alongside steel, cast in place elements, and other systems when the design is coordinated up front.

Common hybrid moves we’re seeing:

• Precast cores and walls paired with steel framing
• Precast parking structures integrated with mixed use podiums
• Precast stair and elevator towers used with a variety of floor systems

Used this way, precast becomes the stable, durable backbone while lighter systems handle interiors or secondary framing. Done right, it’s faster to erect and easier to detail.

5. More Refined Architectural Finishes
   Precast used to be seen mainly as “industrial and functional.” That’s changing fast. Owners now expect architectural quality even on buildings that need to work hard. Designers are pushing finishes further with:

• Form liners and textures that add depth and rhythm
• Integrally colored concrete and subtle color variations
• Reveals, insets, and shadow lines that break up long elevations
• Combined structural and architectural roles in a single panel

This allows teams to deliver buildings that perform like hard working, durable structures but present a finished, intentional appearance from the street. For many owners, that balance between performance and visual appeal is now the baseline.

Bringing It All Together
These five trends point to a clear shift: precast isn’t just a strong, repeatable structural option anymore. It’s being used as a multi-purpose system that can:

• carry structure
• enclose the building
• support energy performance goals and
• elevate the design

Teams who bring precast in early and use the full toolset now available will be positioned to deliver buildings that go up faster, operate more economically and look better doing it. For owners and contractors, the takeaway is simple: get precast involved sooner. When it’s part of the design conversation from day one, the end result isn’t just a precast building, it’s a better building.

This October marked 35 years since we first opened our doors. As we celebrate the past three and a half decades, we couldn’t be prouder of how far ATMI Precast has come. We started this journey as Automatic Teller Modules Inc., specializing in creating concrete for ATMs, and grew into the largest full-service precast builder in the Midwest. Along the way we expanded into the warehouse market in the mid-1990s, broadened our reach with ATMI Indy in Greenfield, Indiana in the early 2000s, and built Waubonsee Development in 1991 to offer end-to-end precast solutions.

A lot has changed over the years. What remains the same are the simple principles of honesty, integrity, and transparency that we live and work by. Since 1990, those principles have shaped every step of our story and they’re still how we measure success today.

As we celebrate 35 years of building strong foundations and lasting partnerships, we want to say thank you. To our customers, partners, and team members who’ve been part of our journey, you’re the reason we continue to raise the bar in precast concrete.

Here’s to the next thirty-five and to a future full of possibility… all As Promised.

AI Is Powering a Building Boom

Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has broken out of the lab and into everyday business. From generative tools to predictive analytics, AI requires massive computing power to function.  That power lives inside data centers, and across the United States, the demand to build them is skyrocketing.

According to Goldman Sachs, AI could drive a 165% increase in data center power demand by 2030. The takeaway is simple: as AI grows, so does the need for stronger, faster facilities to sustain it. To keep up, developers and contractors are turning to precast concrete as the fastest, most durable, and most efficient way to build.

Why AI Is Driving Data Center Construction

AI applications process massive volumes of data that require advanced chips and servers. These components generate more heat, draw more energy, and require precise environmental control. This means that the facilities housing them must be structurally sound, thermally efficient, and built for heavy electrical and mechanical systems.

Traditional cast-in-place construction struggles to keep up with today’s speed and scale demands. Precast concrete can. It delivers the speed, reliability, and flexibility the market now expects. By manufacturing panels off-site while foundations are prepared, site and plant work can happen at the same time, allowing projects to move from concept to completion significantly faster than traditional methods. This streamlined process helps data centers come online faster, reducing overall construction schedules and minimizing downtime for clients eager to meet growing AI demand.

Precast Concrete: Built for Performance and Speed

According to McKinsey & Company, “in the United States, data center demand could grow by 20 to 25 percent per year” by 2030. Meeting that demand requires smarter, faster, and more resilient construction. Precast concrete delivers on all fronts.

• Durability and Security: Precast provides fire resistance, storm protection, and structural longevity, essential for protecting multi-million-dollar technology investments.
• Thermal and Acoustic Benefits: The mass of precast concrete stabilizes internal temperatures and minimizes noise, both critical in facilities packed with sensitive electronics.
• Quality and Consistency: Controlled production environments ensure every panel meets exacting standards, reducing on-site rework and accelerating schedules.
• Labor and Supply Chain Efficiency: Precast minimizes the need for large on-site crews and mitigates delays caused by skilled labor shortages.
• Sustainability: Less waste, fewer on-site emissions, and recyclable materials align with corporate ESG goals and community expectations.

Designing for Expansion and Adaptability

AI technology is evolving quickly and so should the data centers that support it. Precast systems are inherently modular, allowing for future expansion or phased construction without disrupting operations.

We’re also seeing more multi-story designs in the U.S. as land near major power and fiber routes becomes more valuable. Our precast systems offer the strength and span capabilities needed for these heavier, more compact facilities, whether the project involves stacking levels upward or expanding outward.

Meeting the Moment

As AI accelerates, the demand for precast concrete data centers is redefining how America builds its digital backbone. Data center owners need facilities that go up fast, perform flawlessly and last for decades.

At ATMI Precast, we build for that future. Our thermally efficient insulated wall panels, precise connections, and ability to integrate architectural and structural systems make us a trusted partner for AI-ready data centers. Whether delivering a full precast structure or integrating precast elements into a steel frame, we provide the strength, accuracy, and dependability needed to protect essential infrastructure and keep projects on schedule As Promised.

“As technology evolves, the demand for mission-critical data centers will only continue to grow. ATMI Precast is proud to have contributed to more than 30 data center projects in the past four years, delivering the strength, efficiency, and precision these facilities require.”

Want to learn how ATMI Precast supports mission-critical data center projects? Read our blog.

We’re excited to share that ATMI Precast was recently featured in Construction Today! The article, “Passion for PRECAST,” highlights the simple things that set us apart.

At ATMI Precast, we live and work by our core principles: honesty, integrity, and transparency. These values guide everything we do, from the first design conversation to the final ribbon cutting. We build more than structures; we build relationships that last. This feature is a welcome reminder of how hard our team works to make that happen every day.

Thank you to Construction Today for featuring us; it’s an honor. And thank you to our team members and partners who help make every success possible.

If you want to check out the full article, click here. If you’re interested in learning more about how ATMI Precast can deliver As Promised on your next project, reach out to us.

At ATMI Precast, our work doesn’t end when the last panel is set in place. Not even when the ribbon gets cut. They’re moments we consider milestones for celebration, but for us, it’s not the finish line. It’s just the next chapter in our relationship with you.

From the first conversation about your project to the day you walk through your complete structure (and well after), we’re here. Questions pop up. Needs change. Unexpected challenges can arise. And when they do, we don’t disappear into the background. Whether it’s in warranty or years later, ATMI Precast is just a call away, ready to make sure your project continues to perform exactly As Promised.

We recently received a call about a project we worked on nearly 20 years ago. Even though the project was long out of warranty, we didn’t hesitate to provide post-project support. For us, this moment was more than service; it was a great reminder of the lasting relationships we build with every project.

Whether it’s been a few months, a couple of years, or even a few decades, we stand by our work and the people who trust us to build it. It’s why our commitment to you extends far beyond the jobsite. Because at ATMI Precast, it’s never just about a single project. It’s about building a relationship that lasts.