When I was a plant manager, I had mixed feelings when the public relations manager suggested we open our operations to public or private tours. I had concerns about how to justify the unbudgeted material and labor costs needed to spruce and tidy normal work areas. Our sales folks would remind me not to delay any customer deliveries. And finally, there was the fear of the unknown consequences that non-routine activities often bring, such as potential disruptions to our regular operations or negative feedback from visitors.
Despite my concerns, most of our tours went well. And when I think about, the public events helped install a sense of pride in our production and sales teams.
innovation and versatility of architectural precast concrete panels during a tour at the producer’s plant in
Virginia during PCI Precast Days. Photo: Sarah Crandall
So it’s not too surprising that Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) members found success when many welcomed visitors to their plants last month during the 2025 PCI Precast Days, a series of events aimed at promoting the precast concrete industry. You can learn more about their experience by reading 2025 PCI Precast-Days, which features insights and success stories from participating plants.
Hosting an open house and conducting focused tours is not just a one-day event. It’s a strategic move that can transform your business.
Benefits of Plant Open Houses
When concrete producers open their facilities to public events and tours, they unlock four significant business advantages.
Enhancing Local Trust: – Plant tours help transform what neighbors think they see beyond the berm or fence into reality. Visitors witness modern safety protocols, environmental stewardship, and the production of materials.
Recruiting – Open houses expose students and job seekers to concrete industry careers. Today’s operations are modern manufacturing operations that offer diverse opportunities across equipment operations, quality control, and sales and marketing.
Education: A walk beyond the entry gate provides design professionals, neighbors, and customers with a new level of product knowledge. Visitors gain a new understanding of production capabilities and quality standards.
Creating regulatory goodwill – When communities understand your processes and safety measures, permit renewals and expansion approvals face fewer obstacles.
Planning Your Open House
If you want to consider developing your own plant open house, here are some tips to ensure a safe and effective experience.
Set Clear Goals: Define whether the focus is education, recruitment, or public relations.
Create a pre-vist checklist. Prepare for the visit with a pre-pour like meeting involving all tour leaders. Be sure to update everyone, even staff who won’t be in contact with the tour. Be sure to provide essential talking points.
Safety First – With the goal in mind, create visitor pathways, provide required protective equipment, and assign trained guides to every group.
Strategic Timing – Schedule events during optimal weather and production periods.
Plan Hands-On or Activities: Interactive demos or kid-friendly stations increase engagement.
Develop a follow-up plan: Use social media to share event photos, invite attendees to visit the company website, and gather feedback to improve future events.
What's Happening in Concrete Construction 