New System Helps Structures Withstand Earthquakes, Fires, Tornados, and Floods
Kim Blackburn saw that building materials and methods were being used in the construction industry that didn’t meet the increasing demand for durability and environmental sustainability. This caused him to search for a solution.
“After work and research, we were able to find a product that fully satisfies this need,” he says. “The Total Integrated Panel System (TIPS) creates structures that can withstand earthquakes, fires, tornados, hurricanes, and floods, all while reducing deforestation and cutting the carbon footprint of the projects it is used in. Our business aimed to develop processes that improve the availability and use of TIPS in the construction industry. We have been able to accomplish this and now have several patents.”
Blackburn says the business is unique because it helps reduce the amount of concrete in a traditional tilt-up building by up to 50% and the amount of tied-in-place rebar by as much as 85%. It also improves the insulation of the building with 4 inches of expanded polystyrene foam. And all this is done without sacrificing structural strength.
“Our SBDC counselor, Andrew Willis, encouraged us to continue growing in rural Utah. The SBDC has presented opportunities and relationships that are helping us raise the capital we need to ensure our rapid-growth trajectory stays on stable ground.”
– Kim Blackburn
Blackburn says the biggest challenge was changing the traditional construction process so it could adopt the product into everyday use. This included the extensive task of retraining architects, engineers, and construction crews on how to use TIPS.
“We want owners and builders to save money while also taking pride in knowing they are building structures that will last longer and be more environmentally friendly,” he says.
Blackburn lauds the SBDC for helping TIPS network with the right partners who are helping facilitate growth and expansion.
“We expect to increase our product availability by more than 100% within the next nine months,” he says. “Our SBDC counselor, Andrew Willis, encouraged us to continue growing in rural Utah. The SBDC has presented opportunities and relationships that are helping us raise the capital we need to ensure our rapid-growth trajectory stays on stable ground.”
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