75 Years of Concrete Strength: A Family Legacy

Concrete Technology Corp. (CTC), a company integral to building Tacoma's infrastructure, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Founded in 1951 by brothers Arthur and Thomas Anderson, CTC pioneered the use of prestressed concrete in the United States. Initially, the technique was not recognized in building codes, forcing the brothers to establish their operations in Tacoma, where they received special permission to build their facility using the innovative method.

CTC's expertise has led to its components being used in significant projects nationwide and internationally. Notably, the company supplied girders for Disney World in 1970 and floating concrete projects for a barge in Indonesia in 1975. Locally, CTC is a key contributor to Washington's Gateway Projects, supplying hundreds of girders for bridges.

The company's manufacturing process begins daily at 5 a.m. with the creation of rebar cages, which form the skeleton for concrete components. These cages are then placed in stressing beds where steel wires are tensioned before concrete is poured. The resulting prestressed concrete, known for its strength and durability, is cured for weeks before transport.

Strategically located on the Port of Tacoma's Blair Waterway, CTC utilizes a graving dock for efficient loading onto barges, facilitating the transportation of large concrete components. This waterfront access also allows for the convenient reception of raw materials like sand and gravel. The company is currently involved in major projects such as the Puget Sound Gateway Project and is preparing components for the Port of Alaska and Hawaii's rapid transit system.

CTC continues to embrace innovation, a spirit inherited from its founders. The company is on track to break its own national record for girder length, highlighting its ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of concrete construction. This legacy of innovation, driven by its employees, remains central to CTC's success over its 75-year history.