Operational Excellence
At Reading Rock we never relent on our tireless pursuit of excellence—from initial examination of raw materials to the complete manufacturing process and finally installation and maintenance.
Raw material control—Because quality starts in the beginning, we start by monitoring raw materials. We verify that raw materials are ASTM-compliant and continue with real-time monitoring of loading inside bins. We document material quality control with comprehensive data and testing reports.
Process control—Our manufacturing process inserts multiple checkpoints for accuracy and quality. Reading Rock associates take accountability for the products they handle and employ verifications against drawings and orders along the way. Our procedures are well documented and posted prominently throughout manufacturing and other departments to ensure consistency throughout the process.
Installation control—Specifications are documented for delivery, storage and handling as well as final examination, installation, and ongoing cleaning and repairs.
In-House Capabilities
Reading Rock recognizes that the best way to ensure quality is to control each step of the process ourselves. We maintain product excellence by executing all the following steps with our own quality-focused team:
- Sales and estimation
- Drafting
- Reporting and documenting quality control processes
- Production
- Conducting quality and plant certification process
We emphasize perfection during each step of these steps to deliver the right products, on time, every time!
Internal Lab
To support these quality assurance efforts internally, Reading Rock dedicates significant resources to ongoing testing in our internal lab. The lab is equipped to perform many of the physical tests required by the specific ASTM for our manufactured concrete and cast stone products. Our certified lab associates conduct daily testing on 134 various runs and colors on the same factors tested by our third party consultants.
Reading Rock’s lab is audited on an annual basis by Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL), the same auditing agency used by independent third party construction materials testing laboratories. The audit report is then provided to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), who certifies Reading Rock’s laboratory. It should be known that, currently, we are the only concrete products manufacturer in the United States that has an internal construction materials laboratory that is certified through AASHTO.