06 Mar GFRP Tech introduces manufacturing facility, sustainable products to local stakeholders
6 March, Johannesburg – GFRP Tech, a manufacturer and supplier of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) products, on Thursday held its official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of its new groundbreaking manufacturing facility, in Linbro Park, Johannesburg, that is set to disrupt the local construction industry.
Attended by government officials, industry stalwarts and academics, GFRP Tech showcased its flagship EnviraBar and EnviraMesh products, that are alternatives to traditional steel rebar.
“South Africa has been, for many years, building infrastructure, but we have to build it better with the environment, with sustainability, safety and durability in mind. The GFRP Tech product meets all of those requirements. Our infrastructure needs to be more resilient, and we can now create that,” said Professor of Construction Project Management at the University of Johannesburg, Innocent Musonda.
A first on the African continent, the sophisticated multimillion-rand facility has been designed to manufacture, test and supply these GFRP products, that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable than steel products.
Speaking to delegates at the event, GFRP Tech founder and CEO Allen Fiford noted, “A revolution is taking shape in the very foundations of our cities. Our story began with a vision – to transform the construction industry with innovation that doesn’t just build structures but shapes a sustainable future. EnviraBar and EnviraMesh are more than reinforcement bars; they’re a testament to what’s possible when we dare to innovate and care deeply for our world.”
Fiford added, “This is a significant investment in the local manufacturing sector, which is pivotal to growing the South African economy. By establishing the GFRP Tech facility, we are localising the manufacturing of GFRP rebar, which was previously imported – dramatically reducing supply chain lead times and reducing the carbon footprint, that contributes to the environmental benefit of these products. Energy use in manufacturing GFRP Tech products is also significantly lower than what is used in steel smelting and production. We are not only changing the face of the country’s construction industry, but creating jobs and further opportunities for growth,” noted Fiford.
Fiford explained that there was a pressing need in the South African construction sector for structural reinforcement solutions that were not only stronger and more durable than traditional steel rebar with improved ductility, but also more environment friendly. “With more construction companies focused on their environmental, social and governance performance, our GFRP Tech products are set to help them meet those goals,” said Fiford.
The GFRP Tech EnviraBar and EnviraMesh products are 75% lighter and three times stronger than steel, resistant to corrosion, improving durability and reducing maintenance requirements and are designed to last. Fiford highlighted that with these properties, EnviraBar and EnviraMesh are ideal for applications in harsher environments.
“Besides these benefits, one of the biggest problems in the construction industry, is the risks we face. Theft at construction sites is one of those risks. We have a product that has no resale value other than the purpose that it was made for – and that is what we stand for, innovation in the industry. Our GFRP products further enhances structural integrity,” he said.
Strategically placed close to nationwide logistic routes, GFRP Tech believes that manufacturing locally enables prompt delivery and responsive service. “We are supporting the economy, delivering exceptional products throughout South Africa and across the African region and reducing turnaround times for construction projects,” Fiford highlighted.
Quality Products
GFRP Tech’s manufacturing facility has met stringent international testing and was audited by a team of experts from the FRP Institute in the United States. Speaking during the event, Richard Krolewski, CEO and Founder of the FRP Institute, noted that auditing and certification of composites and GFRP products are critical, as it ensures that products used in construction are of the highest quality and will not compromise structures that implement GFRP products.
The ISO 9001:2015 certified GFRP Tech facility produces substantial volumes of EnviraBar and EnviraMesh per day, with rebar measuring from 4 mm to 32 mm in diameter and any length required. “Not only are we realising energy savings during the production, but we are also reducing costs during transportation and installation. Less fuel consumption during transportation further contributes to lower carbon emissions, making GFRP Tech’s products a more energy-efficient option during the construction phase,” noted Fiford.
“Our country has ambitious plans to modernise our infrastructure by investing in the expansion of ports, rail and road networks. GFRP Tech will be there to support this growth,” Fiford said.
Attendees also had the opportunity to tour GFRP Tech’s new manufacturing facility and participate in a technical workshop in collaboration with Stellenbosch University and the University of Johannesburg.
767 words
Factbox:
GFRP Tech’s EnviraBar and EnviraMesh offer a compelling alternative to traditional steel reinforcement, boasting superior qualities:
- 75% lighter than steel, reducing transportation costs and improving handling.
- Three times stronger than steel, ensuring structural integrity and longevity.
- Non-conductive, enhancing safety in electrical environments.
- Completely corrosion-resistant, minimizing maintenance and extending the lifespan of structures.