Demand remains strong for precast concrete products

Following another successful year at AgQuip, Graham’s Precast Concrete Products reports continued strong demand, with the annual event serving as a crucial meeting point for new and existing customers.

Pete Graham, a third-generation owner of the Kyogle-based business, said the company’s 12th year at AgQuip was a success, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of precast concrete solutions for the agricultural industry.

“We’ve been coming here for 12 years and it’s been very successful. We haven’t really had a bad year yet,” said Mr Graham. “It’s a really good show for us to sell products and get our name out there.”

While sales were strong, Mr Graham highlighted the importance of the event as a networking opportunity.

“I like meeting the people. You talk to them on the phone, and the next thing they turn up and say g’day,” he said.

The company’s deep roots in the community and its family-run nature were also a point of pride for Mr Graham. The business was started by his grandfather in 1967, initially focusing on general concrete work before expanding into precast products in 1980. Pete and his brother took over in 2004, and Graham’s Precast was formally established in 2015.

“It’s grown from size-to-size to one of the biggest trough makers in Australia,” Mr Graham said, adding that his four daughters are now heavily involved in the business.

Mr Graham noted a rising trend in demand for specific products, particularly feed troughs.

“The last year or two, people are mainly after feed troughs. A lot of people are starting their own feedlots and feeding a lot of cattle to sell,” he said.

He attributed this trend to changing market dynamics and better cattle prices, which are encouraging farmers to invest in feeding programs.

“You go through eras where people stop feeding, but now they’re really starting to pick it up because there is a market there with the better price of cattle.”

In addition to feed troughs, the company’s water troughs and cattle grids remain popular.

“The water troughs are the products that go all the time,” he said, adding that cattle grids are a popular convenience.

Employing 25 people in their hometown of Kyogle, Graham’s Precast Concrete Products has grown far beyond its local roots. With eight crane trucks, the company’s reach extends to Sydney, western NSW, central Queensland and beyond. “So we do a fair circle,” Mr Graham said.