Glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) products supplier and manufacturer GFRP Tech has launched the first manufacturing facility of its kind in South Africa, in Linbro Park, Gauteng, for the manufacture of GFRP rebar, GFRP mesh and GFRP bends.

The sophisticated multimillion-rand facility has been designed to manufacture, test and supply GFRP Tech’s flagship EnviraBar and EnviraMesh products, which are alternatives to traditional steel rebar.

The company notes that the manufacturing facility has been through stringent international testing and was audited by a team of experts from the FRP Institute in the US.

GFRP Tech’s first order was manufactured and delivered to a construction project in Bedfordview, Gauteng, in September.

“This is a significant investment in the local manufacturing sector, that is pivotal to growing the South African economy. By establishing the GFRP Tech facility, we are localising the manufacturing of GFRP rebar, dramatically reducing supply chain lead times.

“We are not only changing the face of the country’s construction industry, but creating substantial jobs and further opportunities for growth,” notes GFRP Tech director Allen Fiford.

He explains that there was a pressing need in the South African construction sector for structural reinforcement solutions that are not only stronger and more durable than traditional steel rebar with improved ductility, but also more environment friendly.

“These products are 75% lighter and three times stronger than steel, resistant to corrosion and designed to last,” says Fiford.

He highlights that with these properties, EnviraBar and EnviraMesh are suitable for applications in harsher environments.

“Besides these benefits, our GFRP products further enhance structural integrity, while reducing the risk of concrete cancer,” Fiford says, explaining that concrete cancer is caused when the steel reinforcing within a concrete slab begins to rust.

As the steel rusts, it expands and displaces the surrounding concrete causing it to become brittle and crack, which is hazardous,” he adds.

Strategically placed close to nationwide logistic routes, GFRP Tech says 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 cutting on turnaround times for construction projects,” Fiford highlights.

“Not only are we realising energy savings during production, but we are also cutting down on 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,” GFRP Tech sales and marketing director Gareth Roberts adds.