SCHAUMBURG, IL -- The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) is pleased to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Epoxy Plant Certification Program. This program, launched in 1991, was developed to ensure that coating application plants have the capabilities and quality control procedures in place to assure a high level of excellence in material produced and delivered to the job site. Developed to provide an independent certification, the program outlines the basic requirements for a quality control program that ensures a plant and its employees are trained, equipped and capable of producing fusion bonded Epoxy-Coated Steel Reinforcing Bars (rebar) in conformance with the latest industry standards and recommendations.
Participation in Certification Program
By the end of 1991, ten coating plants were awarded certificates including: Florida Steel Corporation in Jacksonville, Fla. and Knoxville, Tenn.; Lane Enterprises in Carlisle, Penn.; Milton Coating Company in Milton, Penn; Nantucket Rebar Services in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada; Owen Electric Steel Co. in Cayce, S.C.; Simcote, Inc. in St. Paul, Minn., and Western Coating in Eugene, Ore., Auburn, Wash., and Ogden, Utah.
By 2011, 23 transportation agencies in North America had adopted requirements for CRSI plant certification in their purchasing specifications, and 37 coating plants were participating in the program, encompassing almost all reinforcing steel coating facilities in North America.
Continuously Working to be Stronger
In 2010, the CRSI Board of Directors requested that the program be strengthened using an open, balanced and consensus based program to meet ANSI Guide 65 requirements. The program evaluates quality control policies and procedures, handling and storage practices, surface preparation, curing, holiday testing, thickness measurement and adhesion testing.
"The Epoxy Plant Certification Program has been very successful, but the Board of Directors felt we can continuously improve to make this an even stronger certification program," said Bob Risser, President and CEO of CRSI. "Meeting ANSI Guide 65 will put us in line with other requirements currently in use. It will only make our participating plants better."
Further information on the current program developments and its history may be obtained from CRSI at www.crsi.org or by calling CRSI at 847-517-1200.
