TPAC Celebrates 70 Years of Precast Innovation

A LOOK BACK AT TPAC'S HISTORY

MARCH 31, 2026

In 2026, Tpac proudly celebrates a milestone: 70 years of delivering precast and prestressed concrete solutions. What began in 1956 as a small precast operation supporting Arizona’s growing construction market has evolved into one of the region’s most respected precast manufacturers.

Tpac’s story starts in 1956, when precast concrete operations were launched as part of Superior Sand and Gravel Company to meet the increasing demand for engineered concrete systems in Arizona. Over time, the business evolved through a series of milestones that shaped its identity and technical capabilities.

The organization formally adopted the name Tanner Prestressed and Architectural Concrete, reflecting its roots within the Tanner Companies and its focus on advanced structural and architectural precast systems. Even in its earliest years, Tpac embraced an approach that combined structural performance with architectural expression—an idea that was forward-thinking at the time and remains central to the company’s philosophy today.

The early decades of operation were defined by rapid growth and innovation. In 1970, Tpac completed its first $1 million project, the First National Bank Building in Phoenix, then the largest architectural precast structure in the city. That same year, the company installed Arizona’s first 8-foot-wide double-tee form, expanding structural capabilities and helping shape the region’s evolving building systems.

As demand for precast increased throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Tpac expanded its footprint beyond Arizona with additional manufacturing plants in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Southern California. The company also broadened its product offerings and invested in Span-Deck systems and bridge girder casting lines, developments that positioned Tpac as a major supplier of structural and transportation components across the Southwest.

SUPPORTING LANDMARK PROJECTS

Throughout its history, Tpac has played a role in many of the region’s most significant infrastructure and civic projects. The company contributed architectural precast to the Central Avenue Bridge in downtown Phoenix and later supported construction of the I-10 Deck Park Tunnel corridor, providing bridge components, vent structures, and related elements that helped complete the coast-to-coast interstate route through the city. Tpac also supplied precast systems for Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, one of the largest and most impactful aviation infrastructure projects in the region.

By the 1990s and early 2000s, Tpac’s portfolio expanded to include major sports and entertainment venues, demonstrating the versatility and scale of its manufacturing capabilities.  Projects such as the Phoenix Suns Arena (now the Mortgage Matchup Center), the Anaheim Arena (now the Honda Center), and the Arizona Diamondbacks Ballpark (now Chase Field) showcased the company’s ability to support complex, large-span structures.

During this same era, Tpac became an early adopter of Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC), used during the construction of the Diamondbacks Stadium. The technology improved surface quality and production efficiency and ultimately contributed to SCC approval for Arizona Department of Transportation bridge girders.

A New Chapter with EnCon United

In 2015, Tpac entered a new phase in its history when it became part of EnCon United Company, a national network of precast, prestressed, engineering, and field service organizations.

The partnership strengthened Tpac’s technical resources, expanded its market reach, and reinforced its long-term stability while preserving the company’s regional leadership and manufacturing-focused culture. Today, Tpac operates as EnCon United’s Southwest manufacturing subsidiary, delivering architectural, structural, and transportation precast systems across Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and West Texas.

Looking Ahead

As Tpac celebrates its 70th anniversary, the company recognizes that its success has always been built on relationships—with customers, partners, employees, and the communities it serves.

Recent initiatives reflect that ongoing commitment, including support for education and workforce development. In 2025, Northern Arizona University captured its first overall victory at the PCI Big Beam Competition with sponsorship and manufacturing support from Tpac—an achievement that highlights the company’s investment in the next generation of engineers and precast professionals.

From its beginnings in the 1950s to its role today as a regional manufacturing leader, Tpac’s legacy is one of innovation, collaboration, and craftsmanship. As the company looks toward the future, it remains committed to delivering the same trusted products, reliable service, and strong partnerships that have defined the past seven decades.