AltusGroup emerged from a development initiative between Oldcastle Precast and Chomarat North America, formerly TechFab, LLC. Chomarat North America first conceived commercial grid structures using fiberglass roving and epoxy in 1997. It was initially named, “PetroGrid,” and introduced by Amoco Fabrics & Fibers Co. in 1998 to create geo-grids for the road paving market. In 1998-99, Chomarat North America and Oldcastle Precast entered a joint development agreement to explore the use of carbon fiber structural grids for use in concrete. The original precast product champion and technology visionary was Harold Messenger. From 1998-2001, development efforts focused on product, process, testing, and engineering design validation surrounding grid use in concrete. Dr. Thomas Harmon, a professor of engineering at
Washington University in St. Louis, provided primary research support for the initiative, also co-funded by both companies. Early
research and development works serve as the engineering design basis used today to design and manufacture CarbonCast. == Operations ==