FBi Buildings touts revolutionary concepts

Remington, Ind. -- For almost 50 years, FBi Buildings has been a leader in constructing high-quality structures.

Building on that tradition, the company has pioneered an innovative concept it promises will revolutionize the construction industry. The product is called Perma-Column, and it is the latest advance in post-frame construction technology, according to Jeff Neihouser, general manager at FBi Buildings.

The innovation is an optional upgrade on all FBi buildings. It provides a permanent, concrete column system.

"No other company in our area can offer this incredible technology," Neihouser said. "Perma-Columns are a significant technological advancement."

No wood goes in the ground, and it cannot rot. In addition, it is environmentally friendly and exceptionally strong.

Perma-Columns are made using the latest in pre-cast concrete technology. The result is concrete rated at 10,000 pounds per square inch, as opposed to the standard 3,500 psi.

Purdue University's Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering has tested the Perma-Column system and showed that, in comparative strength tests, the product substantially outperforms the industry-standard laminated column.

"Laminated columns are strong and well-suited for most purposes," Neihouser said. "But, for customers who want the ultimate in strength and durability, Perma-Columns are the way to go."

For decades, FBi has been at the forefront of post-frame construction technology. One of the first industry-changing innovations was FBi's use of square columns in place of round poles.

The rest of the industry soon followed suit.

FBi followed that with many other firsts, including beginning the first to use an all-metal door system, first to use Kynar 500-base finish on a Galvalume substrate on the entire building and first to use stainless steel hex washer head screws.

"Many of these innovations wouldn't have happened without our close relationships with suppliers. We challenged them to do things that had never been done before," Neihouser said.

A prime example of this is the development of FBi Building's safety program. To prevent injuries from falls, FBi pioneered a new safety harness.

"Our fall protection system is unique in this industry," said Joe Ely, FBi Building's director of quality, supply chain and logistics. "We worked with suppliers to design a retractable cable system, similar to a seat belt system on a car."

Employees are harnessed to the cable, which has give when they move slowly. However, an abrupt lean or pull will cause the cable to retract.

"It will catch (employees) if they fall," Ely said. "We want everyone to be safe. That is our commitment."

More people than ever before are buying post-frame buildings, thanks to decades of significant advancements such as these, Neihouser said.

"Years ago, post-frame buildings were known as agricultural pole barns, and that's pretty much what they were," he said. "But improved technology, components and construction methods have dramatically improved these buildings and broadened their appeal and value."

The company was founded in 1958, and its headquarters is located in Remington, Ind. It has constructed more than 15,000 equine, agricultural, commercial, industrial and retail buildings in Indiana and Illinois.

FBi also boasts 290 employees, including architects, engineers, construction professionals and support personnel.

For more information, contact FBi Buildings at (219) 261-2157 or visit the company's World Wide Web site at www.fbibuildings.com.