May 9th, 2013 was a memorable day for the MN NADRA Chapter. Representatives from every sector of the Minnesota Deck and Rail industry were on hand to support NADRA’s effort to further develop its industry leading CPAC program (Consumer Protection Awareness Charter).

Engaging speakers gave viable, educational information that sparked many valuable conversations for attendees. Presentations were then followed up by tours of Element’s St. Paul facilities, including live testing demonstrations.

Third-Party testing experts were on hand to share their knowledge in the areas of corrosion, environmental, flexural, mechanical and live load testing. Code officials from several local jurisdictions and a representative from the ICC-ES were present to answer questions concerning codes or product evaluation.  Product manufactures, lumberyards, distributors and local deck builders were all present to discuss industry issues and learn more of the NADRA CPAC program.

The common message thread; Quality and Approved Tested Products are a must! Whether it is ICC-ES, CCRR or ASTM tested products; all were in agreement, that the world of product testing is convoluted and there is a need for industry standardization.

Please contact NADRA EVP, Michael Beaudry to join the NADRA CPAC effort by emailing Info@NADRA.org

A special thank you to the following MN NADRA contributors:

  • Host:  Element Materials Technology
  • Sponsors: Screw Products, Inc., Williams Architectural Products, Gossen Corp., and Homeland Vinyl Products, Inc.
  • Speakers: Barry Johnson-ICC-ES, Stan Hathorn-Homeland Vinyl, Roger Axel-New Hope Code Official and Tom Kolden-Element Materials Technology