Company History

Back in 1959 while working as an engineer for F.M.C. Food Machinery Corporation, Robert “Rex” Hartup was asked to help on a new project. He and several others were put to the task of designing a special concrete form for a new emerging construction technology called prestressed concrete. He quickly recognized the importance of this new technology and realized the need for specialty equipment and supplies for this budding industry. So in 1961 with the help of his wife Dorothy they founded Prestress Supply Incorporated. In those days there were only a handful of plants trying to produce prestressed concrete. Rex would drive for many days visiting plants while Dorothy would stay at home processing orders and doing paperwork.

As the industry grew, so did PSI. Around 1969 Rex parked the car and bought an airplane to commute to the growing number of prestress operations around the country. With Dorothy working as Office Manager and with the help of a few dedicated salesmen PSI continued to grow.

In 1987 Dorothy and Rex’s son Bruce came to work for the company. For several years he too travelled the country representing PSI. In 1996 Bruce was promoted to President. Dorothy retired from the company in 2003 and enjoyed traveling with Rex in their RV. Dorothy Hartup passed away in 2008. Rex continued to take an active role in the company until his death later that year.

In 2009 Bruce’s son Cameron came to work for the company. Cameron continues to take an active role in sales, technical support, and warehouse operations.