Precast concrete will once again take centre stage at the Concrete Manufacturers Association’s (CMA) biannual Awards for Excellence competition taking place in Johannesburg in March next year.

The awards are one of the most prestigious events on the construction industry’s calendar and attract entrants from various disciplines who represent precast concrete projects. These range from building and construction to infrastructural projects.

“The countdown has officially begun and we are calling on all our CMA members and their customers to enter into any one of our 15 award categories before the 20th October 2017,” Henry Cockcroft, CMA marketing manager said. “Entry packs are currently being sent out and members can enter as many projects as they like.”

He explained that any technically outstanding project, no matter how small or large, can be entered providing one or more precast concrete products from a CMA member was used in its execution.

“It is not the size of the project that matters but rather the way it satisfies the requirements of the award categories,” Cockcroft said.

Judging and categories

He said categories for the awards were structured very carefully to cater for all types of precast elements.

He explained that these will be judged in two different groups with specific categories according to the design, application and nature of those elements.

Fifteen category winners will each receive a winning trophy.  In addition, four floating trophies will be awarded to the two best entries from each entry group.

“As usual, the industry can expect a lot of publicity around the entries,” Cockcroft said. “It is a known fact that the Awards for Excellence boast the best and most amazing projects that are being undertaken with precast concrete.

“It is expected that besides the chance of winning one of the awards, many of the entries will be noticed and featured by the media,” he added. “Who wouldn’t want their projects to be showcased in such a manner on the national stage?”

All awards entries will also be published in a web-based entry book which will be posted on the CMA’s website.  The winning entries will be presented in a hard-copy winners book and will be distributed nationally.

The Concrete Manufacturers Association’s Awards for Excellence will be presented at a gala dinner ceremony at The Venue, Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. To find out more, or to enter, go to www.cma.org.za or contact them on (011) 805 6742.