Cemstone, the upper Midwest’s leader in high performance concrete, has been chosen as a recipient of the 2020 National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s (NRMCA) “Producer Excellence in Quality Award”. This is the tenth 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 for the purpose of providing a basis to recognize those that strive for continuous improvement through their quality initiatives. It sets provides reasonable goals for those concrete producers interested in elevating their own quality management systems.
The Producer Excellence in Quality Award criteria is based on specific categories. These categories include: 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 prove qualification levels of ready mix concrete producers to break down a significant industry barrier of changing specifications. This ranges 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 mix concrete industry. Performance-based specifications provide details of required results such as strength and other mechanical properties. Additionally, specifications for durability and serviceability are a requirement. 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. They also offer rigorous quality management systems that lead to superior products and satisfied customers.
“We are very proud to be nationally recognized by the NRMCA for our commitment to quality for the past 10 years in row. Cemstone commits to continual improvement of its quality management practices and standard operating procedures. This includes Research & Development mix design development, raw material selection process 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. They do this 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 commits 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
Cemstone was founded in 1927. Since their founding, they have grown immensely. They now operate numerous ready-mix concrete plants in both Minnesota and western Wisconsin. They also have plants in Iowa. Cemstone also offers a complete line of construction materials. This line includes ready-mixed concrete products, concrete pumping capabilities and aggregates. It also includes engineering services, concrete block and masonry products used in the construction of concrete structures.
As a family-led business, Cemstone has a values-oriented, people-focused culture. This is ultimately at the heart of who they are.
After four generations and over 90+ years, the Cemstone name has become synonymous with high-quality products. Additionally, it’s unparalleled service in the ready mix concrete industry in the Upper Midwest. Cemstone’s reputation also reflects in the structures they help create. It also stands on the long-held and long-practiced commitment to core values of safety. They also stand on excellence and innovation, in addition to integrity and teamwork.
