Nestled in Kingston in upstate New York, LHV Precast thrives as a leading producer of precast concrete materials, catering to diverse project needs while continually exploring new opportunities. Founded in 1979 by Dick and Clarice Willis, the family-owned enterprise evolved from a modest setup with a trailer, a phone, and a boom truck into a comprehensive operation offering an extensive range of products. Their lineup includes catch basins, manholes, electrical vaults, light pole bases, box culverts, three-sided spans, retaining walls, and custom solutions tailored to specific project requirements.

Jim and Bob Willis, the founders’ sons, grew up working in the plant but left to attend college. Returning home to help with the family business, today, Jim and Bob manage the plant, grooming the next generation to follow in their footsteps.

The company attributes its success from the Willis’ commitment to innovation and fostering strong partnerships with reliable suppliers. Mixer Systems, Inc., has been a key partner since the early 1980s, supplying mixers, accessories, and a complete batch plant. When LHV Precast’s old Prashak horizontal mixer, purchased in the early 1960s, needed to be replaced, Jim began looking for options. His visits to nearby plants highlighted the difficulties of sourcing foreign parts and having American-made equipment became a priority.

“When we were initially putting the plant together, we visited a few companies nearby to look at equipment, and they were having trouble getting foreign parts. It was at that moment we decided it needs to be made in America,” Jim explains. “We have had a relationship with Mixer Systems ever since.”

“In 1986, LHV Precast invested in their first Turbin Mixer from Mixer Systems, marking the beginning of our partnership,” according to Mixer Sales Manager Jonathan Jaruseski. After pouring over 400,000 yards of concrete over 35 years, the mixer is now retired and headed back to the Mixer Systems’ facility in Pewaukee to be put on display.

“When the time came to replace the mixer, there was no hesitation—Mixer Systems was our first choice,” Jim affirms. “Their products are backed by top-notch engineering and technical support, essential for our operations.”

In May 2021, LHV Precast began an ambitious project to expand its operations by constructing a state-of-the-art facility. This endeavor was carried out in collaboration with Mixer Systems and Emil Garlewicz of Concrete Plants, Inc., whose expertise was instrumental in shaping the new plant. “Emil Garlewicz, who recently passed away, was highly valued by Mixer Systems, as was his entire team at Concrete Plants, Inc.,” says Jaruseski. ‘’It was a smooth process with all of us working together to make sure LHV’s plant was exactly the way they envisioned.”

The expansion project included adding 21,600 square feet to the existing 14,400-square-foot building. The upgraded facility now features advanced components, including a new batch plant and additional aggregate and admixture silos, enhancing its production capabilities and efficiency.

“Mixer Systems was the logical choice to partner with on this project,” Emil stated. “Not only do they have some of the finest equipment available in the United States, they have the service and expertise to work alongside us.” The new facility includes a dedicated 3.5-cubic-yard batch plant with a Turbin Mixer from Mixer Systems. This setup includes a computerized washout, designed to streamline the cleaning process.

“The new facility, commissioned in February 2022 after rigorous certifications, underscores our commitment to growth,” says John Klassen, LHV Precasts’ CFO. “Our partnership with Mixer Systems is more than just transactional—it’s a collaborative effort where troubleshooting and support are readily available. There is always someone at Mixer that can assist with troubleshooting.”

“We want to keep growing the business,” Jim adds. “We are always looking for another product line, or another solution to offer. Because when it comes right down to it, people know the skill that we bring to projects, and we are in a good position to keep doing what we do.”