Custom precast production accelerated at Columbia Precast with Elematic FaMe Shuttering 

In 2024, Columbia Precast introduced the Elematic FaMe shuttering system into their operations. Since then, the benefits have been significant – both in efficiency and production quality. 

Custom vault tops and culvert slabs are essential components in Columbia Precast’s production, but they have traditionally been resource‑intensive to manufacture. The company had long relied on wood for forming, which resulted in several recurring challenges: the wood grain often transferred onto the concrete surface, the material generated significant waste and required continuous repurchasing, and assembling or disassembling the forms was a slow, labor‑heavy process. When steel rails were used instead, their weight introduced safety concerns and made handling difficult for the production staff. 

To address these issues, the team began looking for a solution that would streamline the setup of custom slabs while also improving the overall product finish. They wanted an approach that would reduce labor hours, enhance workplace safety by minimizing heavy lifting, and still provide enough flexibility to handle the wide variety of non‑standard designs that Columbia Precast produces. 

In 2024, Columbia Precast adopted the 10-inch FaMe aluminum LITE rail system along with Push Button and 4-sided Magnets. The impact was immediate. 

Key improvements included: 

• No more screwing forms together or anchoring them into the floor 

• Lighter, safer handling compared to steel rails 

• Faster assembly – forms can be set by hand 

• Superior product finish without wood grain texture 

The collaboration didn’t end with delivery. Elematic engineers flew to the Washington plant to help set up the system, train the team, and ensure optimal use. The ongoing communication and support made a strong impression. 

Columbia Precast was so satisfied that in 2025, they purchased the 24-inch FaMe FLEX Ladder system as well.

Although Columbia Precast notes that the exact financial impact is difficult to calculate, the benefits of adopting the Elematic FaMe system are already clear and substantial. The company estimates that the improvements amount to savings in hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. A major contributor to this is the significant reduction in labor time – custom products now require roughly 60% fewer labor hours. The lighter equipment has also reduced the risk of workplace injuries, while material waste has dropped notably thanks to the more efficient forming process. At the same time, the overall product finish has improved, offering a cleaner and more consistent surface quality. 

A real-world comparison underscored these results. “The first piece we poured was a 20-inch slab weighing 36,000 lbs. I expected bowing or a blowout, but the rails performed perfectly. We set up two identical pieces – one with wood, one with the Elematic rail system. The wood form took nine labor hours. The Elematic system took one. The product from the Elematic setup came out better, with a fraction of labor. I’m extremely impressed.” – Garrett Ward, Plant Manager, CPP Columbia Precast Products 

For Columbia Precast, the production gains were matched by the positive experience working with Elematic. 

“Elematic has been fantastic to deal with. They were in constant communication with us and supported both system purchases the same – professionally, responsively, and thoroughly.” 

The FaMe shuttering system has enabled Columbia Precast to expand their custom precast capabilities, improve safety, reduce costs, and elevate their final product quality – all while maintaining flexibility in their production environment.