Evolving products and techniques in the readymix concrete industry are changing the face of construction with faster, stronger
and more visually appealing solutions allowing superior structures to be designed and built across the globe.
The Readymix Conference by Sarma 2015 aims to bring the latest technology to the local market and facilitates a meeting point for professionals from the readymix concrete industry (as well as their suppliers)with construction and building professionals in order to ensure that the local industry remains up-to-date with global innovations.The annual conference is a highlight on the construction industry calendar and providestechnical know-how on a wide range of topics ranging from manufacturing readymix, ensuring quality and using readymix on site among others.
Johan van Wyk, Southern Africa Readymix Association general manager, says that the topics have been carefully chosen to ensure that readymix manufacturers are exposed to the latest products and techniques, while construction industry professionals will have an opportunity to view the latest offerings available in readymix and make informed choices when next they order readymix concrete.
Technical talks
“Readymix is the star performer at this years’ conference and the two day line-up will be filled with technical presentations and talks from the country’s top authorities on concrete and construction. We will also be looking at the latest issues confronting the industry and provide useful information to assist the industry to overcome challenges.
“In addition, The Readymix Conference by Sarma 2015 will host several live demonstrations on the use of new types of equipment and products that will include advanced concrete pumping, polishing concrete and many more. Outdoor and indoor displays from local and international suppliers will provide delegates with an opportunity to interface directly with suppliers.
“We recommend that readymix companies, contractors, engineers, architects and other building professionals attend the conference in order to participate and adopt new equipment and practices that can give companies an edge over opposition in these ultra-competitive times,” says Johan.
Expert input Some of the headline speakers at this years event include PPC technical specialist, George Evans, who will discuss the new testing specifications, currently under review by SANS and industry specialists. The adoption of these specifications will ensure uniform testing of concrete across industries and lay a foundation for improving quality across the board.
Donald Schoeman of Crowbar Solutions will examine strategies for readymix operations to interface with constructioncompanies to meet changing requirements and expand operations in southern Africa. The presentation will look at possible benefits for all involved in the supply chain from cement companies, to ready mixers and building contractors.
Well known economist Dr Roelof Botha, joint MD Gopa Group, will give feedback on the predictions he made in2014 and will use the same presentation he gave last year to overlay actual trends and statistics that have occurred since then. Following the analysis of the past year he will once again give predictions on the state of the economy for the year ahead.
Executive tips One of the highlights of the line-up will be an insightful talk on leadership and the role that it has in business, which will be presented by the well-known and respected retired chief executive of McCarthy Group, Brand Pretorius. A talk on communication and reaching ever-changing clients bases will be delivered by communications specialist Juanita Vorster, of At That Point.
Other topics of interest will include a breakdown of new truck legislation, as well as truck and driver safety. The Sarma insurance scheme will also come under the spotlight and will detail benefits for the producer, as well as clients of the insured party. There will also be special inserts on architectural and decorative concrete and an exciting new prospect in auditing and accrediting readymix plants.
“Apart from the conference and exhibitions, there will also be fun activities such as a delegate-participation driver competition to determine the effects of drunkennessand fatigue on drivers with substantial prizes up for grabs,” says Johan.
Sarma members will also have the opportunity to participate in the association’s annual general meeting to be held on the morning of the 13 August before the conference is officially opened. The conference will be held at Misty Hills Conference Centre on the West Rand on 13-14 August 2015.
To find our more call SARMA, Mary-Ann Sutton, Tel: (011) 791 3327, Fax: 086 647 8034, Email: office@sarma.co.za, Web: www.sarma.co.za
Prepared on behalf of the Southern African Readymix Association, Johan van Wyk, Tel: (011) 7913327, Fax: 086 647 8034, Email: johan@sarma.co.za, www.sarma.co.za
By Media Savvy Communications, Raymond Campling, and Tel: (011) 979 7207, Email: media@mediasavvy.biz, www.mediasavvy.wozaonline.co.za
