Masonry Magazine May 2009 Page. 21
Masonry: How is the economy currently affecting your company?
Clint Bridges, Vice President, EZ Scaffold:
The business is still there. Contractors are still bidding. However, the prices are tighter than ever. So, as a supplier, we have to work harder to get in front of the decision makers, so they can see the advantages of using our product. Specifically, we need to show how our products make them more competitive during these tough times. Also, we need to be able to meet their needs in more ways than ever. Whether it is new, used or a lease-purchase along with a variety of products, we'd better have what they need, the way they need it.
Charles Dewey, VP of Scaffold and Erection Services, Waco Scaffolding and Equipment:
The current economy has had a significant impact on Waco. We have had to economize in all areas, including overall staffing levels. The level of business over 2008 has dropped off dramatically. However, the level of bidding activity has picked up during the last several weeks, which is encouraging. Perhaps the stimulus plans are beginning to work.
Noe Vallejo, Safety Director, Action Scaffold Manufacturing Co.:
The economy is adversely affecting the entire construction industry, and we do feel it as well. We did see a decline in our business and in scaffolding as a whole in the entire valley. We expect the economy to pick up, the sooner, the better.
Masonry: How large a factor is the issue of safety for your company/products?
Clint Bridges, EZ Scaffold:
Safety is a huge part of what we do. It is as important to our customers as increases in production and labor savings. The construction environment is getting to the point where they have to spend a lot of their resources (time and money) focusing on safety. If it is not done properly, it can result in down time, fines and lost profits. Not to mention, it takes time and focus away from other tasks. Anything we can do to make this easier is a great help to the contractor. We constantly monitor regulatory commissions and legislation. We are active members of the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA), which helps establish most of the regulations that are adopted by ANSI and OSHA.
Charles Dewey, Waco Scaffolding:
The issue of safety is of paramount importance to Waco Scaffolding and Equipment Co. We are engaged in the sales, rental and erection of scaffolding access systems for the commercial and industrial/shipyard markets. We have a full-time Safety/Risk Management Department headed by Floyd Konet. He has infused a culture of safety throughout our business. We employ several in-house safety inspectors whose sole job is to inspect projects for safety compliance for our branch operations as well as customer sites. Floyd believes in a "hands on" proactive approach to safety. We have a great reputation.
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READER SERVICE #183
May 2009
MASONRY 19