THE Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA) continues to represent the precast concrete industry in South Africa and drive high standards of professionalism and quality in this industry. Since its inception 49 years ago, the CMA has also helped to grow a vibrant and strong sector. This is by promoting the significant role that precast concrete plays in the built environment. The technology accelerates improved project management and successful project delivery. Contributing aspects would include: The speedy delivery of critical services infrastructure, the construction of robust and high-quality assets, the facilitation of the construction of complex engineering and architectural designs, and high levels of quality and safety on worksites.
Henry Cockcroft, General Manager and Director of the CMA, remains proud of the extensive skills and experience of the association’s strong membership, consisting of the country’s foremost manufacturers of precast concrete products. “The biggest benefit of CMA membership is that it demonstrates a commitment to the highest possible standards, in terms of quality, honesty and adherence to a strict code of conduct. This has helped to drive the high uptake of precast concrete in South Africa over the years. However, the real potential of the technology is yet to be fully harnessed by local client bodies and their professional teams and the CMA will, therefore, continue to work hard to promote precast concrete as the construction material of choice in the country,” Cockcroft says.
Considering the support and loyalty of its members over the years, the CMA is operating on a sound platform. This will enable the association to continue offering even more benefits to its members.
A case in point is the CMA’s Awards for Excellence. Held bi-annually, this prestigious event in the South African construction industry’s calendar recognises distinction in the design and application of precast concrete. This year’s event again demonstrated the world-class capabilities of the association’s members which continue to deploy their products and systems in unique and innovative ways throughout the country.
The CMA also hosts general meetings and workshops and represents its members at leading exhibitions every year. This is in addition to publishing and disseminating brochures, literature and publications that are very well received by professionals. The CMA harnesses a wealth of information crucial to skills development career path development (CPD).
Moreover, the association uses various digital platforms to broaden its reach. The CMA launched its social media marketing strategy during the hard lockdown that was implemented during 2020 and 2021 to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. It has had a profound positive impact on the marketing of precast concrete and the various services of member companies. The CMA will, therefore, continue growing its digital presence moving forward.
Meanwhile, the CMA’s product certification initiative, CMA Certification Services (CMS CS), is growing in leaps and bounds. Being a SANAS Accredited Certification Body, the company services a demand in the market providing efficient, quick and cost-effective precast concrete product certification. The company recently extended its scope and is now also accredited to certify compliance with ISO 9000/9001 quality management systems. This is helping the CMA’s members maintain the highest levels of quality in product delivery. Architects, engineers, specifiers, developers and contractors have confidence in specifying and using products carrying the CMA CS “Mark of Approval”.
The CMA also continues to collaborate with other leading industry bodies to promote the use of precast concrete in the built-environment industry. These partnerships also create continuous opportunity for career and skills development that will contribute to economic growth and market stability. “The CMA, therefore, endorses, urges and recommends industry professionals to consult with and join relevant associations and institutes. There is strength in unity as we continue to demonstrate as an association,” Cockcroft concludes.
