Construction World October 2018

COVER STORY

A ccording to Johan van Wyk, director of the Southern Africa Ready-mix Association (SARMA), the rest of the world consumes some 90% of its cement in readymix, indicating that there is strong confidence in these markets about the readymix offering. It is no coincidence, therefore, that SARMA’s key objective is to en- sure the highest possible standards of operation among its members, as a foundation to retain and further build trust among target markets. “The aims of the SARMA audits are two-fold,” says Van Wyk. “First- ly, they allow members to prove their compliance to high standards in the way they operate their businesses and plants; and secondly, they ensure that the readymix produced is of a quality that customers can trust.” markets. Vital to this growth, however, is customers’ trust in the quality and cost effectiveness of the product. In stark contrast to many parts of the world, relatively little of South Africa’s cement usage – just 17% – is from readymix supply, leaving huge potential for the growth of readymix Keeping standards high in SA’s readymix

He emphasises that the SARMA standards are necessarily high, but that as much importance is placed on the process uplifting the less experienced readymix operator. The annual SARMA market size survey reveals that there are about 350 readymix plants in operation countrywide, operated by about 109 different companies. Upholding standards “Financial barriers to entry to the readymix market are relatively low, but entrants may not always be aware of the technical complexities and legal risks involved,” says Amit Dawneerangen, General Manager: Readymix at AfriSam – a SARMA member and South Africa’s largest construction materials supplier with 40 of its own readymix plants nationwide. “It is therefore the responsibility of the industry to inform newer players about the standards that they need to uphold if our sec- tor is to flourish and foster trust among current and future customers.” Dawneerangen emphasises the importance of broad transformation in the economy, but also the consequences of skills loss in the con- struction sector as it struggles to deal with difficult trading conditions. “As many larger contractors are forced to retrench staff, some have even lost certain of the skills related to concrete design and applica- tion,” he says. “Without that expertise and capability, it becomes a very good option to work more closely with readymix specialists who have retained and grown their expertise in quality solutions. By partnering with an SARMA-accredited readymix supplier, the contractor has one less issue to worry about.” Compliance He points out that, in the light of the many compliance and risk aspects of concrete usage in construction, many contractors would rather outsource the design and manufacture aspects to specialists like AfriSam, who in turn assume an important part of the project risk. “We use the SARMA audit as a valuable measure – which is both external and independent – of the quality of our entire readymix value-chain,” says Dawneerangen, “which provides added reassurance to customers of the quality they will receive.” Van Wyk notes that readymix is a complex material that must be manufactured to suit its precise application. “It’s not just about mixing cement, aggregates and water,” he says. “It also has to be delivered on time, often under demanding conditions and time frames.” He highlights the extensive legal compliance required in terms of safety and health, environmental issues and road transport regulations, even before dealing with the quality of the product itself. “The ISO9001 standard is a good foundation for a company’s quality focus, and many members make solid use of this framework,” he says. “But our SARMA audit goes beyond this; we accredit the implementation of the system, the way that members address all as- pects of compliance, as well as the South African National Standards. This is what makes the SARMA accreditation so well-rounded.” The result is that all facets of a readymix operation and its products are accredited by SARMA before membership is bestowed, allowing members to show that they have undergone a rigorous process that recognises them as responsible and reputable companies. SARMA’s key focus is to ensure the highest possible standards of operation among its members, as a foundation to retain and further build trust among target markets.

Installing ‘Based Temporary Cased Auger Trial Pile’ at Greenfields Link Bridge site.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD OCTOBER 2018