Masonry Magazine September 2010 Page. 22
MAST CLIMBERS
The Fraco model
AS MENTIONED, the masonry niche remains an important market for the MCWP manufacturers. In order to increase the productivity in that segment, Fraco Products has conducted several analyses with masonry contractors to fully understand the sources of productivity for theses businesses. The result of these studies is the Fraco model, a model that promotes a new working environment for the bricklayer.
With the Fraco model, the bricklayer is able to affect more time to its competence and specialization, i.e. laying bricks, blocks and stones and other masonry actions. The model involves a new definition of the relation between bricklayers and laborers. Laborers are no more considered as providers of material; they are now members of a supply chain and they participate to the overall performance of a team. This model also moves into a new definition of the workspace offered by a mast climbing work platform. The bricklayer can now benefits from increased room and better utilization of resources.
In order to translate the Fraco model into an operational reality, Fraco has developed a production table (see images) which increases the room on the platform and allows the storage of all the components, other than bricks and mortar. Tools and material like flashing, wall ties, etc., can now be stored underneath that production table, thus creating a new workspace. This allows the mason to lay bricks without having to ask the laborer to bring one thing or another. The production table is interrupted by a one-foot opening to give access to the laborer. That way, he can easily access the bricklayer zone to assist in the application of wall ties, seals, windows protections and other material. In fact, the aim of the Fraco model is not to increase the mason's rhythm but to allow him to concentrate on bricklaying.
The model requires a good planning from the foreman. Thus, at the end of the day, he prepares a work sheet (Fraco Planning Form) for the next day of work. He populates that form by indicating the list of material that will be needed to serve bricklayers the next day, and he provides that list to concerned people (laborers, forklift operators, etc.)
The next morning, when the laborer shows up to the jobsite, he does not need to go up to organize the workspace on the platform. He takes the time to prepare his pallet with all accessories and tools other than mortar and bricks necessary for his day of work. Once he is ready, he gets on his platform, and the forklift operator brings him his pallet. In the Fraco model, a copy of the foreman's work sheet also is provided to the forklift driver, so that he knows the number of bricks, blocks and mortar pans that will be required for the day.
Above Top:
FRACORACE
Los Angeles Public Works Building. Los Angeles, CA
Several stacked Fraco platforms with portable cranes were used for anti-seismic retrofit works. All windows were replaced.
Verre sur Vert Condominium Building, Montreal, QC
A single mast FRSM 20K unit is being used as a real production center for the masonry works of a new 5 story building.
With the Fraco model, the initial objectives are achieved, and a real teamwork culture is being applied on the jobsite. The model also creates better planning, improved communication and greater commitment from everyone.
Conclusion
THE RECENT ECONOMIC CRISIS has modified and keeps modifying the status of MCWP manufacturers. Some of them certainly will get out of the crisis in a weaker financial situation than two years ago. The intensity of the construction activities will not come back to its level of the first decade. MCWP manufacturers have to think outside the box and evaluate their marketing approaches. A step was taken, and it is now time to adjust to the next one. IMAS
Jacques Lalné is director of marketing for Fraco Products Ltd., St. Mathias, Quebec, Canada. He can be reached at jacques.laine@fraco.com.