Chinese explore partnership with Smith-Midland Corp.

April 21, 2017 | Associate / Plant News

Smith-Midland Corp. recently hosted a six-person delegation from one of China’s largest construction companies to discuss a “technology partnership.” Nantong Sijian Construction Group Chairman Geng Yuhua and his team visited Fauquier for two days in mid-April. Based in Jiangsu Province, NSCG has 70,000 employees working in construction, including precast concrete, Smith-Midland’s specialty.

Considered a “Top 100 Enterprise” in the Chinese construction industry, the company has completed more than 800 large-scale commercial, institutional and residential building projects since its founding in 1958.

The meetings in Southern Fauquier focused on Smith-Midland’s precast product licensing subsidiary, Easi-Set Worldwide. The local company’s SlenderWall, a precast concrete and steel stud building panel developed by a Smith-Midland CEO Rodney Smith and his R&D team, provides the exterior envelope of mid-size and large-scale structures.

NSCG contacted Easi-Set President Art Miles to discuss a technology partnership that would allow the company to manufacture SlenderWall across China, with Easi-Set supplying technical and logistics support.

With access to affordable housing a top priority for the Chinese government, demand in remains high demand for multifamily, high-rise projects. China plans two million units this year.

“NSCG is a primary supplier to this market and is searching for products like SlenderWall that will allow it to speed up its production and installation schedules using factory manufacturing, pre-assembly and modular methods,” Mr. Smith said.

Easi-Set Worldwide works with 71 licensees in 42 states and 10 countries to manufacture six different lines of precast concrete products, all developed in Fauquier County, he added.

Photo caption: NSCG Chairman Geng Yuhua presents Smith-Midland Chairman Rodney Smith with ceremonial gift.