Masonry Magazine October 2001 Page. 16
Many of the issues and concerns of key regional and national firms have remained the same over the last fifteen years. The issues that the masonry industry appears to have difficulty satisfying for the key accounts are: quality, consistent, standardized products; sufficient numbers of qualified installers; single sources; expedient delivery and speed of construction; quality construction and acceptable final appearance; warranties; and recommendations for product use under the design/build process.
To address these quality contractor issues, the frequent response is that the architect or other owner's representative needs to reject work that is not acceptable. This is totally unrealistic. The delays associated with rejection are usually less acceptable to the owner than the unsatisfactory appearance or jeopardized serviceability of the masonry. The owners expect quality installation and performance. When they do not get it they look to alternative building systems, not alternative installers. They have other things on their minds than policing the quality of the masonry industry. The masonry industry needs to demonstrate that it can provide the quality products and systems to satisfy the needs of the owners.
Over fifteen years ago the National Concrete Masonry Association held a forum of influencers and decision makers of several key accounts. The issues impacting the use or lack of use of masonry by these customers were cited as:
■Product availability
Product quality
Economics
Industry image
Quality of workmanship
(Above) Executives at Fred Meyer, Inc. -a Portland, Oregon-based retail chain that has over 800 stores-wanted a new, prototypical store design that could be built quickly and economically, yet would project a soft, aesthetically pleasing image. They tested the new design in its Wandermere store in North Spokane.
By using concrete masonry at the Wandermere store, Fred Meyer shaved eight weeks off its typical construction schedule and total construction costs were more than $1 million lower than previous tilt-up projects.
(more on page 18)
16 MASONRY OCTOBER, 2001
DONKEY TRUCK CARRIED FORKLIFTS
5000 pound lift capacity
3800 pound operating weight
Suitable for use on single axle trucks
Diesel engine, automatic transmission, automotive style disc brakes make operation easy.
Accommodates two cubes wide
Three-wheel drive
4 cylinder Kubota engine
Suspension seat
Call 800-383-3018 for the name of your nearest dealer and a demonstration of capabilities. Quality Corporation, Denver, Colorado