MARATHON, Wis. (February 27, 2002) - Installing traditional concrete drainage pipe can be a messy, time-consuming task, leaving no guarantee of a precise fit.

County Materials solves this problem for Wisconsin's and Minnesota's construction industry with the new SuperSeal® gasketed elliptical concrete pipe. A specialized gasket fitted to pipe ends eliminates the need for tar or rubber joint applications. It speeds up placement and saves labor, while maximizing performance. The preformed gasket assures joint security and a water-tight seal.

County Materials's newly expanded Prestress, Precast and Pipe division in Roberts, Wisc., manufactures the concrete pipe using a computer controlled process that results in even consolidation throughout the full length of the pipe and produces a "packerhead-like" spigot.

The elliptical shape of the pipe makes it ideal for locations with low headroom and other fragile environments, such as in sand or soil near water tables, where pipe can be installed horizontally or vertically. Available in diameters equivalent to round sizes from 18" up to 90" sizes, in 8' lengths, the SuperSeal elliptical pipe is especially suitable for Midwest storm drainage culverts. Low profiles allow them to carry off more storm water per foot of vertical clearance while combating problems of high water tables and minimum cover. Exceptional durability, strength and superior hydraulic characteristics suit it for stream and utility tunnels, cattle passes, storm sewers and pedestrian walkways.

County Materials Seeks Seal of Approval in Minnesota Market

Minnesota contractors can order it now for the 2002 construction season. The SuperSeal pipe is already being installed in Midwest markets that are reporting excellent results according to Bill Quintus, manager of Minnesota concrete pipe operations.

"Contractors will be especially interested in this when they find out how easy it is to work with. Engineers will like it because the gasket is made to stringent specifications which eliminates the guesswork associated with applications of other pipes," said Quintus.

For other applications, County Materials also offers round concrete pipe in 12" to 120" diameters, corrugated steel culvert pipe and HDPE pipe. For more information on the advantages of County Materials' SuperSeal gasketed Elliptical Concrete Pipe, please call 800-426-1126 and ask for Ed Hofacker for Wisconsin pipe projects or Bill Quintus for Minnesota pipe projects.

As County Materials Corporation celebrates 55 years in business, it continues to meet customer demand with new and innovative solutions, facilities, equipment and services. It has manufacturing facilities and HomeScape Studios located in Marathon, Appleton, Eau Claire, Weston, Merrill, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Custer, Green Bay, Rice Lake, La Crosse, Webster, and Roberts.