The Precast Group is a three-generation family business that has evolved into three distinct divisions that complement each other’s product offerings and services. Key to their success is the way the three companies operate in synergistic fashion, helping each other whenever necessary or possible.
A perfect example of the ways the three divisions complement each other is with their work on Ottawa’s light rail transit (LRT).
Central Precast (CP) is the division that launched the company when it was founded 69 years ago by Luigi Mion, who was an immigrant from Italy. For the LRT, CP installed precast concrete stair treads and risers throughout all the LRT stations in Phases 1 and 2. The company also manufactures precast concrete architectural and structural panels for high-rise buildings and warehouses, as well as stand-alone modular buildings. It is also a dealer of landscape and masonry products.
“In Phase 2, we supplied about 2,000 pieces at 25 stations,” says Stefano Mion, estimator at Central Precast Inc. “At Phase 1, we also supplied benches throughout the exterior landscape.”
MCON Products manufactures precast concrete infrastructure products such as concrete pipe and maintenance holes, catch basins, box culverts and stormwater retention systems, and has worked on nine LRT stations in Ottawa, primarily supplying Stone Strong retaining walls to these stations.
“We also supplied various drainage products to a handful of stations and auxiliary construction sites that were part of the project,” says Marco Mion, general manager of MCON Products.
Utility Structures Inc. (USI), meanwhile, services the utility industry by manufacturing spun-concrete light poles, electrical manholes and handholes, transformer foundations and bollards, as well as highway and security barriers.
“USI supplied a variety of items for Phases 1 and 2, including underground structures and pole bases for the park-and-ride lots,” says John Licari, general manager of USI. “We also supplied 102 pieces of a custom MTO barrier wall, which is a good example of the collaboration within the group. When the order was received, USI had a production backlog and we couldn’t meet the requested timeline. However, CP had sufficient production capacity, so we utilized their production space to help fulfil the order.”
The three companies collaborated similarly at Lansdowne Park. MCON Products supplied the underground infrastructure, Central Precast supplied the bleachers and site furnishings, and USI completed the electrical light standards and electrical underground infrastructure. A similar approach happens in the housing market, with MCON supplying the underground services, USI supplying the underground electrical services and light poles and Central Precast supplying hardscaping and masonry products.
“We all have a commitment to quality and sustainable products that will last 75 to 100 years,” Marco says. “And we’re a rare example of a Canadian-owned manufacturing company.”
The companies problem-solve for each other and collaborate regularly. For example, if someone’s short a truck for product deliveries, one of the other two companies will provide one.
“We rely on good communication to make sure that if one company can’t fulfil a contract, the others help,” Stefano says.
“We co-ordinate in various steps, an example is through the production cycle,” Marco says. “If one plant is at capacity with production, the other can assist by borrowing forms and producing products for the other company. As a group, we share resources, leverage our purchasing power with local suppliers and in turn, this translates to savings to the end user without compromising quality.”
This article first appeared in the Spring 2025 special “City Building” issue of the Ottawa Business Journal. That publication is available in its digital edition below:
