Cemstone, the upper Midwest’s leader in high performance concrete, has been chosen as a recipient of the 2022 National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s (NRMCA) “Producer Excellence in Quality Award”. This is the twelfth year in a row that Cemstone has received this award! The NRMCA’s Producer Excellence in Quality Award recognizes the commitment to quality initiatives of ready mixed concrete producer members. This award is intended to provide a basis to recognize those that strive for continuous improvement through their quality initiatives. It sets measurable goals for those concrete producers interested in elevating their own quality management systems.
The Producer Excellence in Quality Award criteria is based on the following categories: Management Commitment and Decision Process, Customer Focus, Human Resources, Production Facility and Equipment, Material Management and Testing, Specification and Mixture Review, and Measurement Analysis and Improvement. By meeting and exceeding this criteria, the concrete industry is able to set qualification levels of ready mixed concrete producers to break down a significant industry barrier of changing specifications from prescription-based to performance-based specifications has been the qualification level of a concrete producer.
A shift to performance-based specifications is the next logical step in the evolution of the ready mixed concrete industry. Performance-based specifications provide details of required results including strength and other mechanical properties along with requirements for durability and serviceability. The results are verifiable through standardized measurement or testing to assure the product meets the desired requirements. Finally, performance-based specifications are free of process limitations such as mixture proportions and construction methods. Performance-based specifications encourage innovative products and construction methods along with rigorous quality management systems that lead to superior products and satisfied customers.
“We are very honored to be nationally recognized by the NRMCA for our commitment to quality for the past 12 years in row. Cemstone is committed to continual improvement of our quality management practices and standard operating procedures. This includes our raw material evaluation and selection process, mix design research & development, and use of new or innovative products.” said Lars Anderson, Cemstone’s Engineering Services Manager.
Established in 1930, the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association is the leading industry advocate. The mission is to provide exceptional value to its members by responsibly representing and serving the entire ready mixed concrete industry through leadership, promotion, education and partnering to ensure ready mixed concrete is the building material of choice. Working in conjunction through a partnership agreement with state associations on issues such as promotion and regulatory concerns. The organization is committed to constantly communicate the latest information, products, services and programs to help our members expand their markets, improve their operations. The NRMCA has several committees in which members and professional staff work together to support the mission. They include Audit and Finance, Concrete Promotion, Divisions/Bureaus, Government Affairs, Membership, Nominating, Political Action, Research, Engineering & Standards, Safety, Environmental & Operations and Workforce Development.
About Cemstone Companies
Since 1927, Cemstone Companies have been led by the Becken family for five generations and are based in Minnesota. Cemstone, best known for its blue ready-mix trucks, operates ready-mixed concrete operations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. In addition to concrete, Cemstone offers a complete line of construction materialsincluding concrete related products, concrete pumping capabilities, aggregates, engineering services, and concrete and masonry supplies. To learn more about Cemstone products and services, call 1-800-CEMSTONE or visit cemstone.com.
