Originally published in 2018. Updated July 2025 for context.
Barkman Concrete has been manufacturing precast concrete products for residential, commercial, agricultural, and municipal applications since 1948. Recognized across North America for its quality and customer satisfaction, the company continues to innovate through its corporate membership at the North Forge FabLab.
Leveraging FabLab™ Tools and Community
Barkman Concrete joined as a corporate member of the North Forge FabLab in 2017. Dennis Bergen, Product Development and Product Designer, shared how the team uses the FabLab™ to complement the work done at their plant in Steinbach.
“Having access to the technology and diversity of thought at North Forge adds value to the expertise we have here at Barkman,” said Bergen. “It allows us to prototype, test, and learn quickly.”
From Bench to Business
One of Barkman’s early prototypes at the FabLab™ was the Cast Bench, released to market in 2018. While the initial concept came before their partnership with North Forge, the lab’s 3D printing capabilities allowed them to rapidly iterate and finalize the design.
Since then, the team has experimented with various products, from pavers and slabs to landscape kits and site furnishings. One such concept, the Skyline Bench, was prototyped at the FabLab™ and entered the market in 2019.
Innovation Through Experimentation
“The Truss Bench was especially valuable for us,” Bergen said. “We explored curved geometries using cast concrete and a simple plastic mold system. That project influenced mold designs for many other products.”
These small-scale prototypes, made possible by 3D printing, helped Barkman reduce overhead and material costs, enabling the team to test multiple design iterations before committing to full-scale production.
A Collaborative, Cost-Effective Approach
The FabLab is primarily used by Barkman’s four-person Product Development team, although other departments benefit as needed. Bergen emphasized that having 24/7 access to the tools and a supportive maker community helped accelerate product development.
“North Forge helped us move faster and smarter. The prototyping process became more affordable, and the shared knowledge from the community helped us refine our designs.”
Would They Recommend It?
“Absolutely,” Bergen said. “North Forge is an excellent place for businesses to develop and launch new products. I’d highly encourage other companies to visit the FabLab™ and see the possibilities for themselves.”
Ready to prototype your next big idea? Discover how the North Forge FabLab™ can support your business with cutting-edge tools, a collaborative space, and expert mentorship. Learn more about FabLab memberships.
