Plant Certification

"We chose to join NPCA's Plant Certification program, even when it was not required of us, because we are committed to producing the highest quality precast possible. It can be very difficult to identify your own faults. But, when an inspector has been through your plant, it is much easier to see and correct your problems after they are spelled out for you in black and white. This program has made us a much better plant."

Mark Thompson
Vice President
Jefferson Concrete Corp., Watertown, N.Y.

"We feel use of this certification program is a step in the right direction. It has helped to replace our need to hire outside consultants to inspect precast products for us. Also, there has not been a problem getting the precast industry to follow the new requirements. Every plant stepped up to get certified."

Rick Harvey
Office of Materials
Wyoming Department of Transportation

"The initial cost of plant certification is minimal when compared to the benefits of focusing on quality control in the plant. We can document savings in raw materials and purchased items, fewer damaged or rejected castings, and reduced labor and rework of products on the job site. The certification program corrects plant errors before they become high cost problems."

John Lendrum
President
Norwalk Concrete Industries, Norwalk, Ohio

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"By using NPCA's Plant Certification program, the quality of the precast concrete products supplied on our projects has been maintained, if not improved. Additionally, because the responsibility for quality control has shifted from the state to the precaster, the frequency of our inspections and testing has been greatly reduced. We have found this program to suit our needs very well."

Bill Lawrence
Office of Materials
Utah Department of Transportation

"Firebaugh Precast, Inc. has participated in the NPCA Plant Certification program for over 12 years. Plant Certification continues to be a good investment, contributing to our bottom line. Many of our customers and specifiers recognize Plant Certification as ensuring that quality production processes are being followed at our plant. The Quality Control Manual for Precast Concrete Plants also serves as an excellent tool for training employees."

Randy Lindsay-Brisbin
General Manager
Firebaugh Precast Inc., Colorado Springs, Colo.

"Many state highway departments used to have enough employees to inspect precast plants themselves. These days, there are fewer and fewer people to do this. It's important to know that a plant is certified and can produce what they say they can--that they offer good business practices."

Joe Ryan
Office of Materials and Research
Maryland State Highway Administration (Quoted in MC Magazine)

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