Jim Clarke Named Head of Quality Control

Prairie Material’s Ready Mixed division has named Jim Clarke to be its new head of Quality Control. Jim will be directly responsible for QC operations in the Chicago area and will take on a leadership role for QC at all ready mixed operations throughout Prairie's 4-state territory. "We have a great group of guys here and my first job is to streamline the day to day QC process so they can concentrate on being more proactive with our customers," says Clarke. "We want to add value to that relationship, acting as advisors to improve the performance of our concrete beyond the specs."

Jim brings more than 25 years of concrete experience to Prairie's operations. Jim started his concrete career as a Sales Technician for W.R. Grace, traveling throughout the Midwest. After 11 years at Grace, Jim moved on to Resource Recovery Systems Inc. to help develop an automated system for washing-out trucks and holding concrete overnight. His work there led to a QC appointment at another Ready Mix supplier, where he became the Quality Control Manager for 5 years. Jim recently, had been with Sika’s Admixtures as sales representative to Ready Mixed industry in the Chicago and northern Illinois region before joining Prairie in August 2006.

Jim joins Prairie at a time when new concrete products allow the producer to provide innovative materials to the designers and the contractors. "Today we have more knowledge and new products available to give us higher strengths, more durability, and better workability," says Clarke. "For example, polycarboxylits is a new technology and a big factor in self consolidating concrete. There are a wide range of uses for this material. We are always exploring other opportunities for our concrete mixes." However, Jim feels that maintaining control of the mixes while being placed is the key to its ultimate performance. "Back in the day, super plasticizers were generally added at the jobsite. The first truck was a crap shoot to see how the super would work. Adding this at the plant gives us better control on the mix and its performance. This in turn will save time on the job for our customers and for Prairie."

Jim has been an active member of ACI-Illinois serving as the chapter president from 2005 – 2006 and continuing as Co-Chair of the Certification Committee. Jim is also active with the IRMCA (Illinois Ready Mix Concrete Association) and more.

You can contact Jim at 708.458.0400.