PRECAST CONCRETE PANELS
Precast concrete panels are an increasingly popular solution for construction builds where speed, durability and consistent quality are critical for project success.
Unlike traditional in-situ concrete, precast panels are manufactured offsite in a controlled factory environment and delivered to site ready for installation.
This approach enables architects, main contractors and sub-contractors to maintain tighter control over construction programmes while reducing on-site labour and minimising the risk of weather-related delays.
FP McCann is a leading UK manufacturer of precast concrete products, trusted throughout the construction sector for high quality products and reliable service. As a family-run business, we place strong value on building long-term relationships with our customers and providing support at every stage of the process.
Our precast concrete panel solutions are backed by experienced estimating, technical design, manufacture, delivery and installation teams, allowing us to deliver complete, buildable solutions for a wide range of sectors including commercial and industrial buildings, infrastructure projects, and agricultural developments.
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WHAT ARE PRECAST CONCRETE PANELS?
Precast concrete panels are factory-manufactured concrete elements that are used to form structural or non-structural walls, retaining systems and partitions within a construction project.
Each panel is cast in reusable moulds under controlled conditions, allowing for accurate dimensions, a consistent finish and high-quality performance. Once cured, the panels are transported to site and lifted into position using standard lifting equipment.
They can be installed either vertically or horizontally depending on the application and structural requirements.
Because the manufacturing process takes place offsite, precast panels eliminate the need for on-site formwork and wet concrete works, which helps reduce overall construction time.
Precast panels are available in a range of thicknesses, span lengths and finishes and can be customised to suit specific project designs. In many cases, they are prestressed to increase their load-carrying capacity and enable longer spans, making them suitable for applications such as retaining walls, storage bays and material containment structures.
BENEFITS OF PRECAST CONCRETE PANELS
Precast concrete panels offer several key benefits that make them a practical and efficient choice for architects, main contractors and sub-contractors.
One of the main advantages is improved programme certainty. Because the panels are manufactured offsite and delivered ready for installation, projects can progress without delays caused by weather or on-site curing times.
This helps contractors maintain a tight construction schedule and reduces the risk of programme overrun. The panels also provide high structural performance, particularly when prestressed, allowing them to withstand heavy loads and impacts. This makes them suitable for demanding applications such as retaining structures or storage bays where durability is essential.
In addition, the panels are produced in a factory-controlled environment, which ensures greater consistency and quality compared to in-situ concrete. This quality control minimises variations and helps deliver a better finished product.
Precast panels are highly versatile and can be manufactured in a wide range of sizes, configurations and surface finishes, giving architects the flexibility to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.
They can also be combined with other precast components, such as L Walls, to form complete systems that simplify both design and installation.
PRODUCT FOCUS – PRESTRESSED HORIZONTAL PANELS
Prestressed horizontal panels are one of the most efficient and versatile precast solutions available for many construction applications.
Manufactured using internal prestressing strands, these panels are designed to resist high loads while reducing overall section thickness. This results in a strong but slim unit that can span longer distances compared to conventional reinforced concrete panels.
They are delivered to site as finished units and are lifted directly into position, simplifying the installation process and reducing the need for on-site formwork or temporary works.
Prestressed horizontal panels are widely used across several sectors and applications, including:
- Retaining walls
- Agricultural structures such as silage clamps and livestock housing
- Waste management and recycling facilities
- Industrial storage areas
These panels are particularly beneficial for architects and designers who need to maximise internal space and achieve clean internal layouts.
The long-span capability allows for fewer intermediate supports, which creates clear open areas and improves operational efficiency.
Main contractors and sub-contractors also benefit from the fast installation time and reduced requirement for on-site trades, helping to improve health and safety and reduce programme duration.
COMBINING PRECAST CONCRETE PANELS WITH L WALLS
Prestressed horizontal panels can be effectively combined with FP McCann’s L Walls to create complete, integrated retaining or material storage systems.
L Walls are precast units designed to stand vertically on a prepared foundation and provide robust vertical support for retained materials.
When used together with horizontal panels, they form a fully compatible system that is ideal for applications such as recycling bays, grain storage and other bulk material containment areas.
Using both products from a single manufacturer ensures full alignment of dimensions, connection details and performance characteristics, which simplifies specification and design.
The panels can be fixed directly into the L Walls to create an enclosed structure without the need for additional framing or steelwork. This reduces coordination on site and accelerates the overall installation process.
Because both components are precast and manufactured in a controlled factory environment, they deliver consistent quality and strength across the entire system.
For contractors, the combined solution reduces the number of suppliers involved and provides a straightforward, buildable system that arrives on site ready to install.
For architects, it provides a flexible and efficient way to achieve high-performing retaining structures that are both robust and easy to integrate into wider site layouts.
TECHNICAL DESIGN SUPPORT FROM FP MCCANN
FP McCann provides comprehensive technical design support to help architects, main contractors and sub-contractors integrate precast concrete panels into their projects effectively.
Our in-house design team works closely with clients from the early stages of a project, offering guidance on feasibility, load/span calculations and optimal panel configurations. By engaging with the design team early in the process, clients can benefit from value engineering advice that improves buildability and reduces cost without compromising performance.
We supply detailed drawings and connection details to ensure the panels integrate correctly with surrounding structures and meet all structural and regulatory requirements.
Where required, we can also design bespoke panel dimensions or reinforcement layouts to address specific project constraints or performance criteria. This technical support helps avoid issues during installation and ensures the finished solution performs as intended throughout its service life.
WHY CHOOSE FP MCCANN FOR PRECAST CONCRETE PANELS?
Choosing FP McCann for precast concrete panels means working with a trusted UK manufacturer that has more than 45 years of industry experience and a proven track record across a wide range of construction sectors.
As a family-run business, we put strong emphasis on building long-term relationships and providing a reliable, customer-focused service. Our clients value our responsive and knowledgeable estimating team, our ability to deliver accurate and technically robust designs, and our commitment to manufacturing high-quality precast products.
We control every stage of the process, from design and manufacture through to delivery and installation, ensuring that each panel meets the specific requirements of the project and arrives on site ready for immediate use. Our systems are fully compatible, which simplifies procurement and reduces coordination issues for contractors.
For architects, we provide detailed technical support and clear documentation, helping to ensure the panels integrate seamlessly with the rest of the building design.
For main contractors and sub-contractors, we deliver reliable solutions that support programme certainty, improve on-site safety, and reduce overall construction time.
By choosing FP McCann, clients benefit from high-quality precast concrete panels backed by practical support and proven industry experience.
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