Coastal Precast

Every day, thousands of drivers cross bridges supported by the work of Coastal Precast Systems, even if they don’t realize it.  

Based in Chesapeake, the company produces the massive precast concrete beams, caps, piles, and segments that make modern transportation infrastructure possible along the East Coast and beyond. With additional facilities in Cape Charles and Wilmington, North Carolina, and a new plant underway in Clinton, South Carolina, Coastal Precast plays a key role in helping build the structures communities rely on. 

“Our customers are usually general contractors, bridge builders, or marine contractors,” says Joe Rose, president of Coastal Precast Systems. “The benefit of precast is that we manufacture the product in a controlled environment, so the quality is high and consistent. We make the pieces ahead of time, store them, and then ship them to the job site when they’re ready. It’s almost like a Lego set once it gets there.” 

This approach keeps large projects moving efficiently and safely. Coastal Precast has supplied components for well-known bridges, including the replacement of the Bonner Bridge in the Outer Banks. “That was a signature project for us,” Joe shares. “We made 264 large precast segments for the main spans. They were 21 feet tall and 48 feet wide.”  

Bridge and highway construction and reconstruction are Coastal Precast specialties. 

Coastal Precast’s plant in Cape Charles, Virginia. 

Coastal Precast also provided structural elements for the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York and is currently producing precast components for the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion, one of Virginia’s largest infrastructure projects. 

Because of facilities that have deep-water access, Coastal Precast can ship very large pieces by barge. “Being on the water expands our market,” Joe explains. “We’ve delivered as far north as Maine and as far south as the islands. The bigger the piece we can make, the fewer lifts the contractor has to perform on site. It saves time and increases efficiency.” 

Coastal Precast employs between 300 and 350 people, depending on project needs. While Joe is not part of the founding family, family leadership continues through CEO Paul Ogorchock, whose children are also involved in the business. “It’s still very much a family-led company with long-term values,” Joe says. 

Innovation is also important. Coastal Precast is helping advance the use of carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforcement in concrete construction. “These materials don’t rust,” Joe explains. “They last much longer than steel. We’ve done several projects using them in Virginia and North Carolina, and we have more experience with them than almost any precaster in the country.” 

A key part of Coastal Precast’s growth has been its long relationship with TowneBank. 

“TowneBank has been a really good partner for us,” Joe says. “They supported our expansion into Cape Charles, provided credit lines for growth, and helped us move into self-insured health care and improved commercial insurance coverage.” 

Joe says the relationship works because it is grounded in trust and shared values. Coastal Precast has a long-standing connection with Ross Morgan, TowneBank Portsmouth president. “We’ve always felt like TowneBank understands the pace and scale of our industry,” Joe says. “They listen, they stay involved, and they help us think long-term. It’s not just about financing, it’s about having a partner who understands where we’re going and how to help us get there.” 

“TowneBank has helped us take the next steps,” he adds. 

Coastal Precast makes the pieces of a construction project ahead of time and then ships them to the job site. 

Looking ahead, Coastal Precast plans to continue expanding its geographic reach and exploring new materials that create longer-lasting, more resilient infrastructure. 

“We’re always working to do things better,” Joe says. “Quality, efficiency, and durability—that’s what guides us.”

For more information, visit CPSPrecast.com.