PRECAST CONCRETE
Precast concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in the UK. It is found in everything from large-scale infrastructure projects to housing developments and public sector buildings.
Its popularity comes down to speed, durability, and consistent quality. The three factors that every architect, contractor, and sub-contractor needs to help ensure project success.
Unlike in-situ concrete, which is poured and cured on site, precast units are manufactured in factory conditions and delivered ready for installation. This method reduces risk on site, saves time, and improves quality. It is a straightforward approach that has become essential for modern construction.
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FP McCann – the largest precast concrete manufacturer in the UK
With a 45 year history and 14 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across the UK, we are the largest precast concrete supplier and manufacturer.
We offer a comprehensive range of precast concrete products, including products for drainage and water management, tunnels and shafts, rail, power & infrastructure, walling, fencing, agricultural applications, flooring, filter bed systems, bespoke precast solutions, tanks and chambers, dock leveller pit systems, box culverts, building products, and architectural and structural products.
Not only that, but with the largest network of precast facilities in the UK, we can deliver to projects nationwide.
We support architects, contractors, and sub-contractors with a complete service – from early estimating and design advice through to manufacture, delivery, and installation.
As a family-run business, we take pride in long-term relationships and reliable service. Our scale gives us the capacity to deliver to the largest infrastructure projects, while our customer-first approach ensures support on smaller developments too.
Service is at the heart of everything we do here at FP McCann, and our team of skilled engineers, technicians, and customer service professionals work tirelessly to ensure that every product we deliver not only meets but exceeds industry standards and client expectations.
SPECIFICATION BENEFITS OF PRECAST CONCRETE
POPULAR PRECAST CONCRETE APPLICATIONS AND PRODUCTS
FLOORING
We offer an extensive range of precast concrete flooring solutions including beam and block/poly flooring, ThermaBeam™ flooring, hollowcore flooring, stairs and landings to the industrial, commercial and domestic markets.
Modern manufacturing facilities at Weston Underwood and Derbyshire, Uddingston, Lanarkshire and an in-house design team ensure we have the knowledge, experience and the manufacturing capacity to meet our customers’ requirements.
ARCHITECTURAL
Precast concrete is widely used for structural components in architectural projects, offering the strength and durability needed for load-bearing elements in buildings and infrastructure.
FP McCann’s range of precast structural products includes beams, columns, and cladding, all designed to deliver high-performance outcomes.
DRAINAGE
From precast pipes to gullies, FP McCann supplies one of the largest drainage and water management product ranges in the UK and Ireland.
Our precast concrete drainage products ensure efficient water management on-site, preventing issues like flooding and soil erosion. They are built to last and comply with UK Building Standards, making them the go-to choice for specifiers who need reliable, easy-to-install solutions.
PRECAST CONCRETE CASE STUDY
FP McCann Thin Flat Roof Tiles Installed on North Ayrshire Care Home
FP McCann supplied our thin leading edge interlocking concrete roof tiles branded “Thin Flat” to a brand-new care facility in Largs, North Ayrshire.
A total of 16,000 tiles together with 360 ridge tiles were specified and were chosen not only for their durability and ease of installation but also for their aesthetic appeal, which had a distinctive slate-like appearance and aligned with the care home’s modern architectural design.
The tiles were easy to fix for the contractor and minimum breakage was recorded.
TYPES OF PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTS
Precast is used in almost every area of construction. Common examples include:
Structural elements such as hollowcore flooring, wall panels, stairs and landings.
Infrastructure solutions including drainage systems, box culverts, shafts, tunnels, and retaining walls.
Architectural products like cladding, roof tiles, and paving.
Agricultural and industrial uses, such as silage panels, livestock building panels, and grain and crop storage.
BENEFITS OF PRECAST CONCRETE FOR YOUR PROJECT
For architects, precast concrete offers an opportunity to explore creative design possibilities while maintaining structural integrity. The ability to pre-design and customise components allows for greater precision and flexibility, whether designing large-scale civil projects or bespoke architectural features.
Precast concrete also simplifies the specification process, offering architects a tried-and-tested solution that balances aesthetics and performance.
Main contractors benefit from the time-saving nature of precast concrete. Since the components are pre-manufactured, site work is reduced significantly, minimising on-site disruptions and potential delays.
Precast elements can be installed quickly and efficiently, which helps contractors stay on schedule and within budget. Moreover, the high-quality control in the manufacturing process means fewer issues with installation, leading to more predictable project timelines.
Specialist contractors rely on precast concrete for its reliability and ease of installation. Whether installing drainage systems, utility chambers, or retaining walls, precast concrete’s durability and consistency reduce the risk of on-site complications.
FP McCann’s extensive experience in the sector means we understand the specific needs of sub-contractors, offering them support throughout the installation process and ensuring they have the right products for their project requirements.
PRECAST CONCRETE VS IN-SITU CONCRETE
While in-situ concrete still has a place in construction, precast offers clear advantages in most cases. Installation is faster, quality is higher, and there’s less exposure to weather delays. Costs are more predictable, and products are designed to meet specific performance standards before they arrive on site.
In terms of sustainability, precast also has greener credentials. Controlled batching, reduced waste, and longer product life all contribute to a lower environmental impact.
WHY CHOOSE FP MCCANN FOR YOUR PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTS?
FP McCann is the UK’s largest precast concrete manufacturer and supplier, with over 45 years of experience and a nationwide network of manufacturing plants.
We support architects, contractors, and sub-contractors with a full specification service – from early estimating and design advice through to manufacture, delivery, and installation.
Choosing FP McCann means more than just purchasing high-quality precast concrete products; it means partnering with a company that is committed to providing expert support, innovative solutions, and creating a greener more sustainable future.
With nearly five decades of experience in the precast concrete industry, FP McCann has developed a deep understanding of the technical, regulatory, and logistical needs of construction projects.
Contact our team here at FP McCann today to discuss your project requirements and find out how our precast concrete solutions can help you achieve your goals efficiently and cost-effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is precast concrete?
- Precast concrete refers to concrete components manufactured off-site in controlled conditions, ensuring high quality and faster installation.
- How long does delivery take?
- Delivery times vary by product and location but typically range from 1 to 3 weeks from order confirmation.
- Can precast concrete be customised?
- Yes, FP McCann offers bespoke precast solutions tailored to your project’s specific requirements.
- Is precast concrete sustainable?
- Precast concrete has a long lifespan and supports energy efficiency, helping reduce the environmental impact of construction projects.