Cemstone, the upper Midwest’s leader in high-performance concrete, has been chosen as a recipient of the 2021 National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s (NRMCA) Producer Excellence in Quality Award. This is the eleventh 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. The intention of the award is 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 criterion, 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.
Performance-based specifications
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. They also encourage rigorous quality management systems that lead to superior products and satisfied customers.
“We are very proud to be in a select group of companies that have achieved this award. It is an honor to be nationally recognized by the NRMCA for our commitment to quality for the past 11 years in row. Cemstone commits itself to continual improvement of our quality management practices and standard operating procedures. This includes Research & Development, mix design development, raw material selection process and use of new and/or innovative products.” said Lars Anderson, Cemstone’s Engineering Services Manager.
About the NRMCA
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 commits itself to constantly communicate the latest information, products, services and programs to help its 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 began 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.
