Envel Facade’s High-Performance Mixing Advantage
Envel Facade is known for creating striking, high-quality building exteriors using ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). Based in South Bend, Indiana, the company manufactures thin precast architectural wall cladding at its single facility and ships products across the country to specialized subcontractors. Their products can be found on Class A office buildings, universities, and healthcare facilities, anywhere architects are looking for a combination of durability and modern design.
A key factor in Envel Facade’s success has been its long-standing partnership with Mixer Systems, Inc., located in nearby Pewaukee, Wisconsin. For more than 12 years, Envel has relied exclusively on Mixer Systems equipment, beginning with a Skid-Mounted Batch Plant Model 21 (with 21 cubic feet of capacity) and upgrading three years ago to a skid mount plant Model 30.
This system, paired with an on-site material silo, has proven to be an incredibly durable and reliable piece of equipment. Over more than a decade of continuous operation, the batch plant has functioned with minimal issues, supported by Mixer Systems technicians with readily accessible replacement parts and responsive service.
Working with UHPC isn’t easy, though. Compared to traditional concrete, it places much greater stress on mixing equipment and requires longer batch times. The material goes through a demanding transition during mixing that can push standard equipment to its limits. To solve this, Envel Facade partnered closely with Mixer Systems to customize their Model 30 setup with an upsized motor.
That collaboration paid off. While a standard Model 30 might only achieve about two-thirds of its capacity when mixing UHPC, Envel’s upgraded system allows them to operate at nearly full capacity. The larger motor provides the extra power needed to push through the most demanding stages of the mix, helping the team produce more material without overworking the equipment.
This efficiency has become increasingly important as Envel Facade continues to grow. UHPC is gaining popularity quickly, and architects are specifying it more each year. To keep up, Envel needs equipment that works hard, stays reliable, and scales with their business.
Envel Façade’s work speaks for itself. One standout example is their contribution to the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, where they produced custom UHPC lettering. Projects like this highlight not only the beauty and versatility of UHPC, but also the importance of having the right equipment behind the scenes.
With the support of Mixer Systems, Envel Facade is well-positioned to continue growing and delivering innovative architectural solutions for years to come.
