MACKENZIE KECK CONSTRUCTION ACQUIRES CONCRETE DESIGN STUDIO

Acquisition of Artisan Concrete Company Expands Construction Firm’s

Custom, Eco-Friendly Product Offerings and Capabilities

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Mackenzie Keck Construction, Inc., a leading provider of general contracting, construction management and consulting services for upscale retail clientele and other commercial enterprises, announced the acquisition of Concrete Design Studio (CDS), a company specializing in artisan pre-cast concrete.

“CDS’ artisanship in concrete made the company an appealing initial investment for Mackenzie Keck in 2006.  Our recent increase in ownership from 40 percent to 100 percent allows us to fully integrate Mackenzie Keck’s reputable customer service offerings into CDS’ business model,” said Dan Keck, Mackenzie Keck CEO.

Founded in 2005, CDS works with premier design and architectural firms to develop customized architectural pre-cast concrete elements with distinctive finishes, colors, and textures for upscale applications including retail, hospitality, corporate and residential. The company collaborates closely with clients and their designers to create compelling finishes and textures to deliver truly unique environments.

CDS is headquartered in a scalable manufacturing facility that is uniquely positioned to provide one-off custom work, limited production runs and large-scale production. The company is distinguished from competitors by its exclusive materials licensing; proprietary and green processes; controlled curing and finishing; and custom crating and packaging. CDS’ sustainable production practices include the recycling of 95 percent of the water used in production, the use of locally quarried sand and gravel and the reuse of industry byproducts.

“We’ve seen that demand for CDS’ custom, eco-friendly product line has remained high both domestically and overseas, especially as we expand international distribution through Mackenzie Keck’s presence in the UK, Continental Europe and Canada,” said Vikram Reddi, president of Mackenzie Keck.

Mackenzie Keck has implemented CDS products for several of its high-profile projects including several Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Under Armour and Tanishq locations. In addition, Mackenzie Keck’s 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art headquarters in Rockaway, NJ features many CDS-crafted elements, including a ‘dressed’ stone block simulating an ancient ruin and leather-like concrete panels in the building’s two-story lobby. A wood curtain wall sits on custom fabricated CDS concrete sill stones cantilevered over the adjacent structure, the first installation of this type in the United States.

“Our familiarity with the workings of the company has enabled us to launch new customer service initiatives immediately,” said Christopher Lossing, newly appointed CDS vice president of operations. “The advantage of being in a multi-faceted business is that we have customers with needs that reach throughout all of our business units. Both retaining current clients and attracting new ones to our innovative product line is our first priority.”

About Mackenzie Keck Construction, Inc. (www.mackenziekeck.com)

Founded in 1990, Mackenzie Keck Construction has grown from its New Jersey roots to offer national and global general contracting, construction management and consulting services for upscale retail and other enterprises. Mackenzie Keck’s projects have included industries such as apparel, furnishings, fashion and beauty, spas and hospitality, restaurants and galleries, corporate interiors and other sectors. For more information about Mackenzie Keck, contact Vikram Reddi at vr@mackenziekeck.com. For more information about CDS, contact Christopher Lossing at clossing@cdsconcrete.com

Welcome!

May 18, 2009

Welcome to Concrete Design Studio’s blog.  We are located at 301 Roundhill Drive, Rockaway, New Jersey.  Please visit our website at www.cdsconcrete.com for more information.

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