Setting a new standard: How GBS Prefab became one of the most advanced precast plants in Bulgaria

Investing in new machinery has made the GBS Prefab site one of the most technically advanced precast plants in Bulgaria. As a member of Glavbolgarstroy Holding, a leading Bulgarian construction company, it focuses on innovative structural solutions, high-quality elements, and efficient project execution. To be outstanding in those, GBS Prefab ordered automated molds and machinery from Tecnocom, a Progress Group company and one of the market leaders in this field.

Innovation and quality

“Our goal is to leverage high-tech solutions to exceed our clients’ expectations and solidify our position in the industry,” explains Georgi Dikov, MSc. Eng., Executive Director – Engineering, Marketing, and Sales. Glavbolgarstroy Holding is renowned for its comprehensive services in energy, transport, water infrastructure, and residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Boasting over 55 years of experience, the business is dedicated to continuous improvement and process optimization. “Our motto ‘we connect, we inspire, we create’ reflects our commitment to fostering strong relationships, driving innovation, and delivering high-quality construction solutions,” Dikov adds.

Investment in cutting-edge technology

Established in February 2022, GBS Prefab strives to uphold the high standards set by its parent company through installing highly automated machinery supplied by Progress Group. A significant milestone for GBS Prefab was the decision to equip the new Pazardzhik plant with this machinery. These state-of-the-art solutions are based on fully automated hydraulic drives, enabling an ultra-fast and safe production process. “The high-precision steel molds provide a high-quality surface finish for the elements,” Dikov elaborates. The plant is designed to produce precast components for large-scale commercial warehouses, manufacturing plants, and industrial facilities, offering large spans and maximum flexibility.

Automation as a key success factor

The decision to automate has proven to be crucial for GBS Prefab. Automated processes enable rapid, simple, and safe workflows for producing precast elements. “Maximum productivity per unit of plant area can only be achieved with compact, modular, and easy-to-operate equipment,” explains Dikov. The aim is to produce high-quality elements for industrial construction. The innovative plant includes a varied range of molds for different elements and specifications from technology leader Progress Group:

Battery mold for columns, 40 m long

Mold for columns with corbels, 20 m long

Mold for I beams, 32 m long

Mold for T and L beams, 32 m long

Tilting table, 24 × 3.5 m

Mold for double slope beams, 35 m long

Self-stressing mold for double T elements, 62 m long, maximum stressing force 450 tons

Focus on sustainability

Sustainability is a key focus at GBS – a major topic that they share with Progress Group. GBS is dedicated to environmentally friendly construction practices and places particular emphasis on recycling construction and demolition waste and using green and sustainable construction materials. GBS Prefab is one of the first precast plants in Bulgaria to collect and assess environmental data through a certified life-cycle analysis process, providing Environmental Product Declarations for the entire product range. These measures underscore the company’s commitment to responsible and forward-looking construction and are made possible with the newly installed machinery.

Successful projects and renowned clients

Since the commissioning of the new plant, GBS Prefab has built a leading position in the market sector, implementing precast structures with a total built-up area of over 100,000 sqm per year. Renowned clients include leading Bulgarian and international companies such as Profilink, Orno, IAG, Schneider Electric, Bultex-99, SPG, and Billa.

Progress with Progress Group

The collaboration with Progress Group has been crucial to the success of GBS Prefab. “It was obvious that to achieve our goals in the shortest possible time, we needed to partner with an established market leader. Progress Group fully justified our trust and provided the crucial technical insight, professionalism, and partnership needed to specify, deliver, and commission the equipment on time and according to agreed terms,” emphasizes Dikov. GBS Prefab impressively demonstrates how cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices can deliver outstanding construction results. Looking ahead, the company remains committed to further optimizing its processes and delivering innovative solutions for the construction industry.