Task group expedites NCMA plant certification program launch

Sources: National Concrete Masonry Association, Herndon, Va.; CP staff NCMA’s Production Technology and Operations Committee has formed a Plant Certification Program Task Group to oversee guidelines and implementation of a voluntary program for block and paver producers, scheduled for January 2015 rollout. Staff liaison for the program and task group is NCMA Production Specialist Mike Maroney, 571/224-0937, [email protected].

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Consumers Concrete adopts fly ash-based CeraTech cement

Ceratech-I

Following success in commercially developing and marketing a line of durable and sustainable cements, CeraTech USA, LLC is now focused on building a national distribution and support network.
Consumers Concrete Corp., Michigan’s leading ready mixed concrete, block, and aggregate producer, recently became a distributor for CeraTech brands. “We are always looking for leading edge technologies,” says CEO Tom Thomas, adding that the binder fits plants already using Class C ash and proved easy to plumb through batch panels.

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NCMA’s promotion-wise Check-Off program climbs Capitol Hill

Sources: CP staff; National Concrete Masonry Association, Herndon, Va.
 
By Don Marsh

Reps. John Shimkus (R-IL-19) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI-2) have introduced a bill enabling creation of a Concrete Masonry Board to oversee a generic promotion, research and information awareness program on behalf of U.S. block producers and importers. Operating with up to 25 members under Secretary of Commerce authority, the board could support the program—modeled after other industries’ “check-off” initiatives—by assessing producers or importers 1 to 5 cents/concrete masonry unit sold in the United States.

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