Superior Walls of America
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Construction |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Mel Zimmerman |
| Headquarters | New Holland, Pennsylvania , United States |
Area served | North America |
Key people | Andrew Zimmerman (CEO) |
| Products | Precast concrete foundation systems (Xi Plus, Xi, R-5, Ui, AG) |
Superior Walls of America, Ltd. is a construction firm located in New Holland, Pennsylvania that specializes in manufacturing and installing precast concrete foundation systems. Established in 1981 by Mel Zimmerman, the company has delivered over 170,000 residential foundation installations throughout North America via a broad distribution network. Their product range features foundation systems such as Xi Plus, Xi, R-5, Ui, and AG.
Acknowledged for its rapid expansion and market presence, Superior Walls was recognized by Inc. magazine in 2007 as one of the fastest-growing private enterprises in the United States. The current CEO, Andrew Zimmerman, leads the company's strategic initiatives to broaden its influence within the precast concrete sector.
Manufacturing process
Superior Walls utilizes a multi-stage off-site production method. CAD technicians create manufacturing plans based on architectural drawings. Steel reinforcement bars and foam insulation are incorporated into molds prior to pouring a high-strength concrete mixture with a compressive strength of 5,000 psi that adheres directly to the foam. Vibrating screeds are employed to finish the panels, ensuring uniform surfaces and structural soundness. This streamlined manufacturing approach enables swift installation and stringent quality assurance, enhancing Superior Walls’ position in the foundation industry.
Installation
Once fabricated, wall panels are delivered to construction locations using specialized transport vehicles and lifted into place by cranes. Installation teams set the foundation on a base of crushed stone. Panels are connected using stainless-steel bolts and sealed with urethane-based sealants. The company notes that installation generally requires less than one day and can be completed under challenging weather conditions.
Certifications
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
- National Green Building Standard (NGBS)
- American Institute of Architects (AIA) and BuildingGreen GreenSpec Directory
Notable Projects
- Grand Castle, a 520-unit apartment complex located in Grandville, Michigan, architecturally inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle.
- Katzin Residence in Litchfield, Connecticut, recipient of the 2015 CT Zero Energy Challenge awarded by Energize CT.
Television
- Featured in thirteen episodes of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, including the 2005 Harper family residence in Lake City, Georgia.
- Utilized in PBS's This Old House for projects such as Carlisle (2005), Weston (2008), and Jamestown House (2018).
- Showcased on DIY Network's Blog Cabin during the 2008 season for a cabin project in Tennessee.