The Readymix Group have a Quarry Improvement Program - 'Building in
Quality (BIQ) which has many parallels to the ICI Explosives' total
quality management - 'Quality Improvement Program' (QIP). Both
companies have for some time recognised that the 'do it right first time'
principle means less wasted effort and materials, that efficiency breeds
profitability and so actively promote the quality culture. To install the principles and generate the culture requires considerable
commitment and effort from the top down and invariably spreads to the
suppliers and sub-contractors. Understanding the component processes involved with the quarry
operation, analysis of those processes and gaining a breakdown of the
cost of non conformance then allows the astute quarry operator to make
the necessary changes to improve the process to realise profits. This paper outlines the steps in such a process and the profitable
outcomes of the commitment to continuous improvement at the Nickol
Bay Quarry.