African Design Magazine December 2014 | Page 28

PARTNER NEWS The CMA forges new links with African precast concrete manufacturers Although its membership has always been open to companies throughout Africa, the Concrete Manufacturers Association NPC (CMA) now actively recruits new members among African precast concrete manufacturers. Besides South Africa, the current membership roll comprises companies from Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, in addition to some from Europe and Asia looking to enter Africa’s lucrative market. The CMA is the voice of Africa’s precast concrete manufacturers and over its 43 year history, the Association has evolved from its origins as a masonry association into a body which promotes the full scope of today’s precast concrete line up. According to CMA director, Wally Armstrong, membership is open to all precast concrete manufacturers, and members fit into either or both of the Association’s two operational pillars, Precast Building and Precast Infrastructure, depending on their product mix. “Our members are encouraged to hold accredited 28 africandesignmagazine.com product certification such as the relevant SANS standard or to manufacture to specifications laid down by the CMA,” advises Armstrong. Besides access to the industrial know-how of the CMA’s panel of experts, there are numerous benefits to membership. These include: • Being part of an association brand which is widely recognised and respected for setting and maintaining best-practice standards • Access to industry-specific statistical information • CMA branding on company stationery, website, packaging and products • Participation in the prestigious CMA Awards for Excellence competition • Listing on the CMA website • Membership discounts on seminars and educational courses • Participation in setting national standards for the industry • Access to best-product design and manufacturing processes • Opportunities to feature innovative precast concrete projects in the CMA’s magazine, Precast