The SABS held its first Expo, which ran concurrently with the SABS Convention and Workshop from the 29th to 31st October 2008, at the Sandton Convention Centre.  Bosun Brick was announced as the winner of the prestigious SABS President’s Award at the Annual Gala Dinner on the 31st October as the pinnacle of the expo and convention. The other two deserving finalists for the award were XLNT Panel beaters from Cape Town and The City of Cape Town (Electrical Services).

The President’s Award is presented to one of the SABS clients that have made a significant improvement in their industry as a result of the services provided by the SABS. Bosun Brick, based in Midrand with plants in North West Province and the Eastern Cape, achieved this by becoming the first South African concrete manufacturer to produce kerbs using the zero slump dry-cast method.

An elated CEO of Bosun Brick, David Wertheim said: ““It is truly an honour to have received this award and be recognized by such a respected body. As the highest accolade that the SABS bestows, it is only through hard work and our investment in technology and sustainable processes that we were able to achieve this and deliver First World quality products.  This level of service by Bosun to society hinges on a reciprocal commitment by both Government and Industry to appreciate the value of recognised standards such as those of the SABS. To this end their specification of, and insistence on, SABS approved products is vital if we want the products we use today to also serve our children tomorrow.  Doing the job twice is not a sustainable option for any developing country”

After much trial and error and assistance from the SABS, Bosun Brick was able to produce a kerb that has an average transverse strength of 36.8kN, which well surpassed the minimum requirement of 22kN. The kerbs went through the process and testing required by SABS and were awarded the SABS 927 mark, it is through this achievement that Bosun Brick were able to walk away with top honours. Bosun Brick Midrand and Bosun Brick in Port Elizabeth are the only two companies in South Africa to have the SANS 927 mark.