US Aggregates® Rockstar: Amanda Kirkham

Amanda Kirkham will celebrate her second anniversary with US Aggregates® this May as a quality control technician for our Cloverdale sites. While working at Midwest Calcium Carbonates (MCC), she was introduced to ISO 9001, a globally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). Her dedication led to her becoming a certified lead auditor, a milestone that reflects her commitment to excellence.

Amanda’s career in the aggregate industry started in 2017 as a scale clerk. She later transitioned into quality control with Prairie Materials, first in Illinois and then in Indiana. Along the way, she also took on occasional equipment operator duties, which helped her develop a deeper understanding of overall operations and the big picture.

In her current role, Amanda is responsible for collecting and testing product samples, monitoring production processes and analyzing results. She also plays a key role in implementing and maintaining ISO 9001 standards across the Cloverdale sites. What she loves most about her job is the variety it offers. Every day presents a new challenge and an opportunity to learn and grow. 

Quality Control Director Eric Woodings deeply appreciates Amanda’s ability to organize and streamline projects within the Quality Control department. “She has gained strong buy-in from the MCC team regarding the ISO program,” Eric shared. “Her ability to lead the team has taken the importance of quality and consistency to new heights.”

Reflecting on her journey with ISO 9001, Amanda shared, “The certification process has been a journey of teamwork and improvement.” From understanding the ISO standards to goal setting, it’s had its challenges, but in the end, it’s been incredibly rewarding. Amanda is excited about how the journey has unfolded and notes that her team feels validated for all their hard work.

To future quality control technicians, Amanda advises, “Get comfortable with Excel—it’s an essential part of the job and almost feels like a second language!”

Outside of work, you can find Amanda spending time in nature with her three children, whether it’s fishing, gardening or cooking. 

Amanda, thank you for your commitment to quality and exceptional leadership within the Quality Control department. Your dedication and achievements continue to set the standard for excellence!