CMA authority awards first Mark of Approval
The Concrete Manufacturers Association Certification Services (CMA CS) has undertaken its first complete initial assessments and certified a number of products on behalf of its maiden client, Bosun Bricks.
Initial assessments were undertaken to test compliance with SANS specifications on a number of different precast concrete products manufactured by Bosun Bricks and that need certification to meet engineering and architectural specifications. The CMA CS Mark of Approval is the first non-SABS mark to be used in the concrete industry since legislation was changed to allow multiple certification authorities to undertake certification of SANS standards.
Born from the need to professionalise the certification of products within the precast concrete industry, CMA CS was established under the wing of the Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA). This arose from undue delays in issuing SANS certification from the current certification body that had the potential to harm member companies whose products needed certification to meet customer requirements.
Speaking on acceptance of the Mark of Approval, David Wertheim Aymes, MD of Bosun Bricks said that adherence to standards is critical and that the establishment of CMA CS is a step in the right direction for the concrete industry.
“SANS specifications are compiled by industry experts who deem them suitable for the type of product being manufactured. Thereafter it is the role of the certification agency to measure and certify that a product meets these standards, so that a Mark of Approval can be issued as proof to customers and end-users.
“We are pleased to have been the first to be certified and the process was similar to our previous SABS audits, but much more in depth. Bosun Bricks will heavily advertise its newly acquired Mark of Approval in the media, on packaging and all other areas of business with high visibility.”
CMA CS GM Christo van Zyl, concluded that the new certification process is completely comprehensive, is undertaken by system auditors with industry knowledge and is done timeously to avoid manufacturers losing out on deals while waiting months for certification that should take days or weeks.
More information from Frans Minnaar, Tel: +27(0)11 805 6742 / www.cma.org.za
