For Immediate Release: April 30, 2003
For More Information Contact:
Keith Severson, Marketing Services
Manager, 831.768.2063

Local Company Certifies Two Technicians
Zack Booth and Chris Werner, Research and Technical Services of Graniterock in Watsonville, CA, have both been certified as ACI Field Testing Technicians - Grade I. This certification requires successful completion of a two-hour, closed book written exam as well as a closed-book performance exam covering twelve ASTM Standards on laboratory testing of concrete and concrete aggregates. It also partially fulfills training requirements imposed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL) for supervising concrete laboratory technicians. CCRL performs an on-site audit of the Graniterock Research and Technical Service's concrete laboratory (quality system, laboratory equipment, and personnel training and testing competency) biennially.

"ACI certification is another way Graniterock team members can develop professionally and demonstrate product quality commitment to our customers and these two have certainly shown that commitment," said Matt McPharlin, Manager of Graniterock’s Concrete Test section of the Research and Technical Services Laboratory.

Zack Booth started as an intern in Graniterock’s Santa Cruz Building Materials location. He works out of the A.R. Wilson Quarry laboratory, sampling concrete from seven Graniterock locations. Zack's interests include surfing and old cars.

Chris has been with Graniterock for 14 years. He started in the spring of 1989 and trained at the A.R. Wilson Quarry lab for 2 months before moving to his permanent location in Redwood City to oversee the Quaility Control effort for Northern Division Road Materials. Chris is interested in golf and plays every opportunity he gets, including CHP Charity Golf Tournaments. Chris also enjoys spending time raising roses.

Graniterock has been headquartered in Watsonville, California, since it’s founding in 1900. The Company's employees work in branch locations in South San Francisco, Redwood City, San Jose, Salinas, Monterey, Oakland, Watsonville, Felton and Santa Cruz. Graniterock supplies construction materials including ready-mix concrete; hot mix asphalt, building materials, landscaping supplies, rock, sand and gravel. The Company's Pavex Construction Division is a significant regional heavy engineering contractor building roadways, airports and private commercial and residential projects. Graniterock received the 1992 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the 1994 Governor's Golden State Quality Award. The Company has been one of the 100 Best Places to Work in America by Fortune Magazine for five years.