What factors determine Cretex’s required delivery lead-time? If production space, Cretex engineering services, and complete contract drawings were available, how fast a schedule could be available for a "simple" 30,000 square foot building using precast wall panels? What are the most common reasons for the schedule cited above not being available? Should Cretex expand if its production schedule is causing long lead-times? Can Cretex react to short-term changes in the demand for its products? How can a customer reserve space in Cretex’s schedule before complete construction documents are ready and pricing has been finalized? Why won’t Cretex save a space without a letter of intent? Can Cretex establish a reliable budget for its product on your project? Will I pay more by getting budget pricing and committing to Cretex early in the project? What does the "schedule note" on Cretex’s quotation mean? What can a customer do to get the best possible schedule?

What factors determine Cretex’s required delivery lead-time? In order to give and meet a delivery schedule the following factors are considered: Previously scheduled production Availability of complete contract drawings and agreed upon scope of work Drafting availability The complexity of the project If production space, Cretex engineering services, and complete contract drawings were available, how fast a schedule could be available for a "simple" 30,000 square foot building using precast wall panels? The following schedule would be achieved: Week 0: Complete Contract Drawings and Purchase Order Received Week 2: Cretex Shop Drawings Submitted Week 4: Approved Shop Drawings Returned To Cretex Week 5: Production Begins Week 7: Production Completed & Delivery Begins Week 8: Delivery Complete What are the most common reasons for the schedule cited above not being available? The most common reason is that useable for construction documents are not available at the time a project is presented to Cretex. Although we are happy to begin the drawing process and work to identify the missing details, this does result in a lengthening of the shop drawing submittal process. It is also common during the peak season for Cretex’s production lead-time to extend beyond eight weeks. Should Cretex expand if its production schedule is causing long lead-times? Yes, Cretex continually looks to expand its capabilities for sustainable growth in demand for our products. Cretex has added several production facilities allowing our plants to double production capacity since the early 1990’s. Can Cretex react to short-term changes in the demand for its products? The capital-intensive nature of our business, coupled with the labor shortage faced by all businesses makes it difficult to significantly increase our capacity for a short period of time. The seasonality often experienced in construction may cause lead-times to grow during the heaviest construction months. We do undertake weekend work to meet our committed schedules. Also, Cretex will continue to expand its facilities in an attempt to meet the long-term demands of the construction market. How can a customer reserve space in Cretex’s schedule before complete construction documents are ready and pricing has been finalized? In order to reserve a space, Cretex requires a letter of intent on the project as well as a schedule for the release of for construction documents and a schedule for the issuance of a purchase order. Also, the schedule for the release of contract drawings must be far enough in advance of production, so that Cretex can fill the production space with other work if the schedule is not met. The consistency of work performed by Cretex and the contractor also impacts our ability to save the space. Why won’t Cretex save a space without a letter of intent? In order to keep our workforce employed, we need to ensure that firm commitments are in place and that the schedules of Cretex, the architect, the engineer, and the general contractor are achievable. The absence of a commitment has, in the past, resulted in job delays requiring us to lay off plant employees. Can Cretex establish a reliable budget for its product on your project? Cretex is able to give budget pricing at an early stage in the project design process. It is Cretex’s desire to ensure that our final pricing falls within the budgeted range unless significant changes to the concept were made. If Cretex becomes aware of such changes, we will immediately notify the customer that the budget price no longer applies. We will then supply a new budget number, if required. Will I pay more by getting budget pricing and committing to Cretex early in the project? No, the market for precast is competitive and Cretex maintains our pricing to help ensure that projects proceed. In addition, Cretex benefits by these early commitments as they allow us to do capacity planning, provide value engineering and assure on-time delivery. What does the "schedule note" on Cretex’s quotation mean? Cretex attempts to give customers an idea of our lead-time by stating the next available production space as of the day the quotation is prepared. This schedule note is intended to assist the customer in identifying where lead-time issues will be critical and can allow the customer to communicate with the owner as to a required time frame for deciding to proceed with the job. Due to the uneven flow of orders, we are unable to predict how the lead-time will change in the weeks following the quotation. A schedule commitment can be made by Cretex when a purchase order and complete contract drawings are received. What can a customer do to get the best possible schedule? Early communication with an Cretex sales representative with on-going communication between Cretex and you will help ensure that a satisfactory schedule can be set and, more importantly, met.