Cemstone Recognized for Ready Mixed Excellence by NRMCA

Cemstone, ACPA member and 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. This award recognizes the commitment to quality initiatives of ready mixed concrete producer members. This award is intended to recognize those that strive for continuous improvement through their quality initiatives.

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 these criteria, the concrete industry is able to set qualification levels of ready mixed concrete producers, breaking down a significant industry barrier by changing specifications from prescription- based to performance-based.

Cemstone’s Dayton ready mixed plant

This 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,” said Lars Anderson, Cemstone’s engineering services manager. “Cemstone is committed to continual improvement of our quality management practices and standard operating procedures.”

In addition, Cemstone’s Hastings plant has been chosen as the Central Region winner in the 2022 NRMCA Commitment to Environmental Excellence Awards competition. Through this awards competition, the NRMCA’s Safety, Environment and Operations committee salutes companies that have surpassed governmental compliance measures and demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence through plant and staff investment.

The competition was judged on 10 separate criteria that demonstrated the company’s commitment to the environment through innovative management. The Hastings plant worked with the City of Hastings and Dakota County to install a stormwater filtration system onsite. The new system collects and filters stormwater prior to it entering the Vermillion River.

Cemstone’s environmental and engineering manager Alex Olin, said “The Hastings plant is located very near the Vermillion River and the parks that line its shores. Because of this, Cemstone has taken steps to ensure that it is being environmentally responsible. The plant personnel at the Hastings location are committed to doing their part to make sure this plant is an active member of the community and remains a great neighbor.”

This marks the 10th time since 2011, and the eighth year in a row, that a Cemstone plant has been recognized with this award.