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A new standard in the manufacture of precast concrete has been introduced by the industry’s national peak industry body, National Precast.
According to National Precast’s CEO Sarah Bachmann, Master Precaster is an initiative that has come in response to discussions with government and industry.
“Master Precaster is a vital safeguard when awarding a precast contract. Awarding precast contracts based purely on price can come with negative consequences on quality, safety, timing and cost,” says Bachmann, adding that “This new standard has a clear aim – to make it easy to identify those in the industry who meet and exceed best practice.”
The Association recognises that most head contractors just do not have the time to do their own proper checks.
A precaster who has great systems and procedures in place, versus actually implementing them as well, are two very different things. Bachmann explains that a requirement of being awarded the Master Precaster title is that the manufacturer must have satisfactorily completed the Association’s comprehensive audit. According to Ms Bachmann, the Association’s audit is what lies behind Master Precaster’s credibility and reliability.
“Our audits are conducted by professionals who have a thorough understanding of precast concrete manufacturing. We take a very thorough stocktake of the precaster’s capability and scrutinise the precaster’s operations. Within each of the eight categories we go into an incredible amount of detail,” explains Ms Bachmann.
It is a step above what even the Association’s Precaster members must pass. The eight areas of focus include the precaster’s industry contribution and track record, their financial stability, their technical and factory capabilities, as well as quality, safety and environmental management and performance. The Association believes that each of these areas is critically important, and if any one is not up to scratch, the outcome can be devastating.
According to Bachmann, the audit also includes spot checks that might include that:
This part of the audit verifies that the precaster is actually implementing the required processes and procedures on a daily basis.
As well as passing the audit, the precaster also needs to comply with the accompanying Master Precaster Code of Conduct.
“Precast concrete is a growing sector and we want to make sure specifiers and users have a positive experience and use it again. That means doing our bit to lead the industry, to ensure our members are doing the right thing and to raise the bar for the industry as a whole. We’re on a mission to spread the word about Master Precaster, which admittedly sets the bar high. But it should be high. It’s what every precast manufacturer should be striving for and what every head contractor should be demanding,” says Ms Bachmann.
Master Precaster sets the bar for head contractors, addressing the critical requirements in addition to a competitive price.
“While an initial tender price might be appealing, there are some simple questions worth asking, like… Do you really want to be working with a manufacturer who isn’t a part of its national body? Or isn’t in touch with the latest industry developments and doesn’t make a contribution to the standards within their industry? Or one who has inadequate quality or safety procedures? Or who cuts corners that will result in inferior outcomes? Or whose staff turnover is so high that they cannot deliver the required amount of technical expertise during the leadup and manufacturing process? We check all of those things and many more,” explains Ms Bachmann.
WA precaster embraces badge of honour
Western Australian precast concrete manufacturer MJB Industries is one precaster who has embraced National Precast’s new Master Precaster membership category and is using the brand to promote itself to its market as an industry leader.
“MJB is a truly outstanding organisation which strives for excellence in producing quality precast products and in providing great service to the Western Australian construction and mining industries,” says National Precast’s CEO Sarah Bachmann.
Recognising the need to raise the bar in the precast industry, the company embraced the Master Precaster concept with enthusiasm. The company was the first in the country to be audited and awarded the title.
“MJB jumped straight in for their audit, offering all the requested documentation and passing the desktop and factory audit with flying colours,” says Bachmann.
The company is happy to be awarded the title and is full of praise for the new brand.
MJB General Manager Kim Hovey says his team at MJB Industries is delighted with the acknowledgement and endorses the term, as one that is widely used in construction.
“We are passionate about the precast we manufacture and we fully support the introduction of Master Precaster. Just as Master Builders are recognised in building, Master Precaster conveys instant credibility when it comes to precast concrete manufacturers,” Hovey comments.
“To be recognised by National Precast as a Master Precaster is an honour, and we will strive to maintain and exceed the Master Precaster standards into the future”.
Bachmann says that MJB Industries is not alone in its enthusiasm for the new brand. Other Master Precasters are keen to take steps to push the new branding and what it means. Rocla’s Head of Marketing and Technical David Livermore commented that he is looking forward to Rocla adopting the new Master Precaster brand as an acknowledgement of the expectations of our customers and asset owners.
“The enthusiasm among the membership is impressive, and it shows why our Master Precaster members are the best in the business, from many perspectives,” Bachmann says.
“Not only are they masters at manufacturing precast concrete elements. They have impressive, long track records, they make substantial contributions to the precast and broader construction industry, they are financially stable, they employ highly skilled workers, they boast impressive quality, safety and environmental systems that are implemented throughout the business on a daily basis and they can be relied on to provide outstanding professional expertise,” Bachmann states.
See: www.nationalprecast.com.au
See: mjbindustries.com
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