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CRAC Industry Profiles

ACME BRICK COMPANY

Acme Brick Company has a 110 year old tradition in brick making and is the largest US-owned brick-making company in the world. Acme operates 22 plants and 36 sales offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri and New Mexico. Acme Over 100 distributors also sell Acme brick nationally. Products include brick, tile, pavers, glass block, masonry supplies, and the IBP Glass Block installation system. The company employs approximately 2200 workers, including three full time registered engineers that provide technical assistance and training for customers and employees and that promote masonry education at universities and vocational schools.

BBS Consultants, Inc., is a consulting engineering firm providing structural investigations and analysis dealing with distressed building structures, foundation failures, and drainage related problems. We also provide structural design for residential and commercial projects.

DECKER, McMACKIN, McCLANE, HALL, & BATES

G.R. BELL AND ASSOCIATES, INC.

G.R. Bell and Associates, Inc., Fire Protection Engineers designs and installs fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems throughout Texas. Service, inspection and testing of fire systems including fire extinguishers and extinguisher systems are included.  Bell and Associates, Consulting Engineers specializes in engineering for building construction. Structural and equipment inspection of residential and commercial buildings, as well as contract municipal construction inpections, are provided along with plan review and structural design.
Mr. Bell is certified by the Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors and is a senior member of the American Society of Home Inspectors.

BILL D. BENNETT CONSTRUCTION, INC.

A respected name in the home-building community, Bill D. Bennett Construction builds only first-class homes in which quality will not be sacrified. Over the years, Bill has earned the distinction of being a first-class builder whose home buyers don't have to keep a constant eye on the project to make sure that the right materials are being used and that they are getting what they expect in the construction of their home. Bill Bennett Custom Homes takes great pride in offering a whole home-building system, from lot selection to financing and construction, with aesthetically pleasing results.

BRICK INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION--SW REGION

The Brick Industry Association--SW Region provides technical information as a regional office of the Brick Institute of America. Its primary purpose is to encourage the proper use of clay brick and tile by publishing, distributing, and making technical information available to architects, engineers, builders, and building owners. Some of the more well known publications are Technical Notes on Brick Construction, Brick in Architecture, and Builder Notes.  Other programs advocate proper training of masons, workshops and round tables for university professors, and an 800 hotline to answer inquiries about brick.

DEE BROWN, INC.

Dee Brown, Inc. is a subcontracting firm specializing in conventional brick and block masonry construction. Products include brick panel, glass block, masonry systems, handset granite, marble and limestone wall systems, architectural precast panel erection and granite, and marble limestone panel systems. The company has the ability to provide owners, developers, architects, engineers, and general contractors with design-build support for their wall systems. The Dee Brown, Inc., companies are rated as one of the nation's largest specialty contractors performing masonry work in the continental U.S. and Hawaii. They belong to the Mason Contractors' Association of America, Associated General Contractors of America, American Subcontractor Association, Quoin, and numerous other professional organizations.

BUILDING OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS (BOAT)

The Building Officials Association of Texas (BOAT), a Department of the Texas Municipal League, is a professional association of 400 members including building officials, municipal inspectors, plans examiners, fire marshals, code enforcement officers, directors of planning and public works, housing authorities, and a variety of companies that deal with them including builders, architects, engineers, building supply companies, and real estate inspectors. BOAT's goals are to establish higher standards of uniformity and efficiency in administering and enforcing model building codes, to create and establish better public relations and understanding at the local level of the Inspection Department with the community, and to educate and inform the membership of new code developments, legislation and events that affect Building Inspection Departments.

The City of Arlington is located in the middle of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The City covers 96.3 square miles, with a population exceeding 338,000. Arlington maintains a diverse economy evidenced by thriving retail shopping centers, active industrial districts, and entertainment opportunities anchored by the Six Flags Over Texas Amusement Park, Hurricane Harbor Amusement Park and the Texas Rangers Baseball Club.

CITY OF CARROLLTON

The City of Carrollton straddles the Dallas and Denton County boundary lines in North Central Texas. Carrollton residents are relatively young and well educated with 68 percent of the adult population with post high school education. The current population is about 111,400. The household per capita mean income is $62,4000 - well above the Dallas and Denton County averages. Interstate 35E intersects the City with George Bush Tollway which is about to join at IH-35 in the center of Carrollton. Carrollton has exceptional public schools and is very accessible to higher education opportunities. There are approximately 960 acres of park land within the City of a total of 38 square miles. Seventy-six percent of available land in Carrollton is developed.

CITY OF DUNCANVILLE

The City of Duncanville is located in the southwest portion of Dallas County. The City covers 12 square miles and has a population of about 36,000. Just 10 miles from downtown Dallas, Duncanville offers the advantage of Metroplex life while maintaining the lifestyle of the small community. A shining example of Duncanville's community spirit is our Kidsville Project. Built in 1989, Kidsville is the largest volunteer-built crative playground in the world. A strong per capita household income provides the community with one of the elements which make up a strong pride in the quality economic base. Duncanville takes great pride in the quality of our educational system and our successful athletic programs. The Texas Historical Commission has designated the City of Duncanville as an official Main Street City.

CITY OF FARMERS BRANCH

Farmers Branch, the birthplace of Dallas County, is in the heart of one of the most exciting metropolitan areas in the world. Farmers Branch has over 27,000 residents and a daytime population of more than 80,000 people who come to work here each day. It is a premier commercial, financial, and trading center with a broad diversified economic base that plays an important part of the high-tech area of Dallas County. Farmers Branch is a key component to the areas economy as it is home to more than 65 corporate headquarters, 24 Fortune 500 corporations, and some 2,600 small and mid-sized firms.

CITY OF GARLAND

The City of Garland is located in the heart of North Central Texas, and it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Metroplex. Covering 57 square miles in northeast Dallas County, Garland is the 84th largest city in Texas. With a population of over 200,000, Garland has an environment very conducive to family living. Sports attractions include softball complexes, soccer fields and swimming centers. Firewheel Golf Park, with two 18-hole courses and a third in the planning stage, has been consistently rated one of the best municipal golf courses in Texas. For outdoor enthusiasts, Garland offers over 2,000 acres of parks, forests and open space, while nearby Lake Ray Hubbard provides boating and fishing.

CITY OF IRVING

The City of Irving is centrally located between Dallas and Ft. Worth on the eastern boundary of DFW International Airport. Irving was founded in 1903 and has a current population of approx- imately 190,000 with a land area of 69.3 square miles. The property tax rate in Irving is one of the lowest in the area at 48.8 cents per $100 valuation. Irving is one of only 18 cities nationwide that enjoy a AAA bond rating from two major Wall Street investment firms. The total property tax value in Irving is $12.5 billion with building permits being issued for five consecutive years with annual construction valuation in excess of $500 million. Irving is the owner of Texas Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, and is also home to the annual Verizon Byron Nelson Classic.

CITY OF PLANO

The City of Plano, a northern suburb of Dallas, has a population of 237,000 and a land area of 75 square miles. Plano is home to many prestigious corporate campuses including Electronic Data Systems (EDS), J.C. Penney Corporation, Frito-Lay, Dr. Pepper, Alcatel, Ericsson, Lacerte Software, Texas Instruments, Perot Systems, Cinemark and Rent-a-Center, to name a few. Plano has won numerous awards for its beautiful parks and school system. With its malls, hotels, theaters and restaurants, Plano has become a popular destination for North Texans.

CITY OF ROWLETT

Situated on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in Northeast Dallas County, Rowlett is an exciting and energized community of nearly 50,000 residents. A multitude of transportation options provide for a short 19 mile drive to Downtown Dallas and 40 minutes to DFW Airport. Rowlett's tremendous growth over the last ten years offers potential employers a young, vibrant, highly educated workforce. Quality of life is also at a premium in Rowlett with amenities such as excellent schools, quality housing, Waterview Golf Course, a skateboard park, and family water park.

CITY OF SOUTHLAKE

The City of Southlake is the 4th largest city in Tarrant County with an approximate land area of 22 square miles. Southlake was the fastest growing city in the county over the past 10 years and has a current population estimated at 22,270. The site of the first permanent settlement in Tarrant County, Southlake has a rich history and city leaders strive to maintain the unique charm and beauty that residents have come to expect and enjoy. Nationally recognized projects such as the Southlake Town Square and Sabre's Corporate Campus headquarters symbolize the quality of development characteristics of Southlake. Visit our award-winning website at: www.cityofsouthlake.com for additional information.

The City of Wichita Falls is comfortably nestled in the North East corner of the Panhandle/Plains area of North Texas.  Wichita Falls is an economically progressive city home to commerce and industry with worldwide interests.  The City also has several institutions of higher learning, a strong international presence through Sheppard Air Force Base, a well educated, eager workforce and a community spirit geared toward family, friends and a desire to see that this thriving city continues to grow and prosper. By most accounts Wichita Falls can be summed up with two words, pleasant and comfortable.  This is a family oriented city conveniently located within two hours of two metropolitan areas with populations exceeding a million or more citizens; Dallas-fort Worth and Oklahoma City.  Wichita Falls has a population of approximately 107,000 and is the county seat of Wichita County and considered the population center of North Texas.

Constructive Engineering applies forensic-civil engineering technology skills to a wide range of project problem-solving needs including those related to construction, materials and structural performance problems, and inspection services for residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. In addition, technical services are provided for construction materials and construction product research and development, production studies, QC/QA program development and evaluations, personnel training, product use troubleshooting, and marketing assistance. Related litigation case fact study, construction site failure investigations, strategic planning and expert witness testimony are also provided.

The Builders Association of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, a non-profit organization, is a trade association organized and developed to promote the Building Industry. Our primary purposes are to: 1) provide information exchange, communication, and education for members, 2) interact with local, state and federal legislative bodies to foster a positive building climate, 3) provide a forum to implement policies that affect the building industry, and 4) promote professionalism among its members. The association operates for the benefit of builders and persons, firms and corporations engaged in allied trades, industries, businesses, and professions in the counties of Tarrant, Wise, Johnson, Parker, Hood, and Palo Pinto, of the State of Texas.

HKS, INC.

HKS, Inc., headquartered in Dallas with offices in Atlanta, Detroit, Denver, Ft. Worth, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Orlando, Palo Alto, Orange County, Phoenix, Richmond, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Tampa, Washington, D.C., and alliances in India and China, provides professional services in architecture, planning, structural engineering, interior architecture, and graphic design. Founded in 1939, the firm has executed commissions for structures valued in excess of $31 billion. Since its inception, HKS has grown to be one of the largest architectural and engineering firms in the nation with over 1,300 employees and projects in 400 cities located in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and 19 foreign countries. The firm’s project experience includes corporate headquarters, office buildings, healthcare facilities, sports facilities, hotels and resorts, banks, justice and aviation facilities, religious, public buildings, multi-family housing, educational facilities, retail, and a variety of industrial projects.

HAAG ENGINEERING CO.

Haag Engineering is one of the oldest firms in this country specializing in the analysis of failure and damage. Haag Engineering serves clients throughout the world, including large and small companies, corporations, major insurance and adjusting firms, law firms, and individuals. More than a consulting firm, Haag has extensive information resources and maintains its own laboratory and testing facilities. Haag has a close working relationship with other specialized testing labs, on-line weather data services, and other technical services. Haag's offices are located near major international airports and telephones are answered 24 hours a day to ensure that clients' needs are met on a timely basis.

HANSON HEIDELBERG CEMENT GROUP

Hanson Company produces and sells bricks, ready mix concrete, aggregates, cement and concrete products, including concrete pipe and boxes, prestressed and precast bridge sections, and retaining wall panels. Hanson's Technical Services Department operates a laboratory which provides technical support and customer service to Hanson operating units. These services include testing and evaluation of construction materials, problem solving, and assistance in quality control/quality assurance programs.

Huckabee is a 75-person architecture, engineering and program management firm that was founded in 1967. The firm focuses solely on educational facilities from K-12 to Higher Edu- cation. During the firm's 35 years Huckabee has completed over 1,000 educational facilities. Huckabee is focused on building High Performance Schools built of all masonry construction.

JERALD W. KUNKEL, P.E.

Jerald W. Kunkel Consulting Engineers, Inc. was founded in 1993, now employing a staff of seven, including three structural engineers.  Since the firm’s origin, it has provided structural engineering, inspection and expert witness services for commercial, single family and multi-family projects not only in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area but throughout the country. Mr. Kunkel’s design experience includes bridge design, steel and concrete design of commercial buildings and concrete and wood framing design of residential structures.  The firm is also involved in the design of slab-on-grade foundations in the expansive clay soils of north central Texas and at various locations nationwide.

MBA TECHNOLOGIES

MBA is a project management company specializing in the assessment of damage and the control of the costs associated with property damages as a result of a catastrophic loss. MBA completes damage assessments associated with fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and ordinary water damage intrusions, designs protocols for the restoration and reconstruction of property, establishes a critical path for the completion of the recovery, monitors the project on site with software developed specifically for disaster recovery, and publishes the progress of the project on line for our clients to review daily. MBA has organized and maintains a nationwide network of restoration professionals in every discipline of the disaster recovery business.

OLDCASTLE PRECAST, INC.

PremiereCrete specializes in manufacturing precast concrete products including modular concrete fences; a revolutionary product that offers economical and more aesthetic alternatives to traditional fencing solutions. We have successfully completed projects for utility companies, schools, and residential & commercial developments. Our fences offer great value and a unique combination of security, beauty, strength, and longevity at very affordable prices. We also manufacture a new and revolutionary concrete brick used on many residential and commercial projects. Our NPCA certified plant in Justin, Texas (20 miles West of Dallas) has been in continuous operation for over 15 years. Concrete fence is one of the most desirable materials of choice for your perimeter and privacy fence needs. We have over 8 acres and 30,000 sf of enclosed manufacturing facilities with capacity to produce and store vast amount of product for your convenience. We offer a turnkey service and will manage your project professionally anywhere in the U.S.

Roof Technical Services, Inc. (Rooftech) is an architectural and engineering firm specializing in roofing and waterproofing. Rooftech was established in 1983, offering a broad scope of services including testing, inspection, analysis, maintenance, design, and quality assurance programs. Rooftech's projects include some of the most prestigious projects in the Metroplex, including the Kimbell Art Museum, Infomart, the Dallas General Mail Facility, TCU's Daniel Meyer Coliseum, and American Airline's Alliance Maintenance Base.

SIMPSON STRONG-TIE CO., INC.

The Simpson Strong-Tie Company was founded in Oakland, California in 1914 and has been manufacturing wood-to-wood and wood-to-concrete connectors since 1956. Since then, Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc. has grown to be the world’s largest manufacturer of construction connectors and to expand to include a complete line of anchor systems products.

Speed Fab-Crete is celebrating 50 years of service as a design-build general contractor and a precast concrete products manufacturer. The firm produces produces precast load bearing, high strength concrete walls for all types of construction and highway retaining walls at manufacturing plant in Fort Worth, Texas, then delivers the panels to the project site for erection. This process allows site preparation and foundation elements of the construction process to occur simultaneously, accelerating owner occupany. The concrete walls of five Speed Fab-Crete buildings stayed intact during an F-2 category tornado that struck Fort worth in 2000 with winds up to 157 mph!.

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE INSPECTORS (TAREI)

The Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (TAREI) is a statewide organization located in Austin representing licensed real estate inspectors. TAREI is committed to the highest quality in real estate inspection services and education. TAREI is dedicated to exerting a beneficial influence upon the real estate industry by uniting those in, or interested in, the profession to provide a strong voice in matters affecting the inspection industry; and by promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct in the profession as expressed in the TAREI Code of Ethics. The Association holds seminars, maintains an ongoing public relations program, publishes a quarterly newsletter and is involved in government relations on the state level. TAREI was founded in 1977 and is the oldest inspection association of its kind in the U.S.

UNIFIED BUILDING SCIENCES & ENGINEERING, INC.

Unified Building Sciences & Engineering, Inc., is a professional engineering firm providing services to industry, contractors, architects, municipalities, other engineers, and the insurance industry. The company specializes in structural engineering design and analysis as well as providing construction management services. We strive to stay abreast of the current technology and automation in an effort to professionally address our clients' needs. We are located in Richardson, Texas, at Apollo and International Parkway.

WEATHERIZATION SYSTEMS, INC.

Celebrating its 200th birthday in 2002, Dupont® is a leader in both science and technology. A multinational company, Dupont® employs thousands of people around the world and is involved in almost every industry from medical, petroleum, packaging, and absolutely the construction industry. Dupont® is broken into many parts, one being Dupont® Tyvek®. Dupont® Tyvek®, manufactured in Virginia, is the only finished product Dupont® manufactures. Dupont has positioned over 100 "Tyvek Specialists" throughout the U.S. to serve as educators. All of the specialists are certified to teach to AIA-registered seminars and educate building officials, builders, and students throughout the country.

WISS, JANNEY, ELSTNER ASSOCIATES

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates is an inter-disciplinary engineering, architectural, and construction materials science firm specializing in the investigation and remediation of commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings and all types of structures and pavements. Since its establishment in 1956, WJE has provided a wide range of consulting, research, and design services for all areas of construction technology. WJE resources include a headquarters office and laboratory facility in the Chicago area, and branch offices in most major U.S. cities. WJE services include assessment of existing structures, failure analysis, instrumentation, construction materials evalutaion, historic preservation, research and development, and specialized design and problem solving services for new construction.

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