Significant efforts are under way to introduce the manufacturing of glass-fibre-reinforced polymer composites to South Africa, as this is regarded as a positive step that could transform the construction and manufacturing industries, says structural reinforcement materials manufacturer GFRP Tech CEO and founder Allen Fiford.

The company highlights that investing in the country’s manufacturing sector is pivotal to increasing economic growth, job creation and technological advancement.

Its commitment to local manufacturing is aimed at strengthening industrial resilience and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises by enhancing skills development in the engineering and construction sectors.

“Our investment not only secures a local supply chain for advanced construction materials but also propels the country towards sustainable economic recovery. We are focused on driving sustainable solutions by offering alternatives to conventional reinforcing,” Fiford notes.

Notable features of the GFRP composite rebar include corrosion-resistance to ensure longer structural durability, up to 75% higher tensile strength than steel, lightweight composition to make handling and installation easier and an extended life span to reduce maintenance and replacement costs.

While the transition to composite rebar may take some time to gain traction, Fiford says perseverance and education will drive industry-wide adoption, allowing for it to become a standard option for construction companies.

Challenges, Innovation

GFRP Tech notes that South Africa faces significant infrastructure maintenance backlogs, partly owing to inefficient material choices and high repair costs.

Other challenges include high material costs, poor and outdated manufacturing infrastructure, limited access to finance, supply chain disruptions and skills shortages.

Establishing local production facilities enables the company to reduce reliance on costly steel imports, decrease transportation-related emissions and foster a more sustainable ecosystem, Fiford highlights.

To address the current infrastructure challenges, GFRP Tech is providing durable, high-performance materials such as Envirabar and Enviramesh.

“Our products are ideal for critical applications such as bridges, roads and coastal structures, mitigating corrosion-related failures and reducing repair expenses.”

The upcoming launch of the GFRP Institute South Africa will serve as a centre of excellence for education, research and certification of GFRP applications. This will ensure that engineers, architects and construction professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to integrate composite technologies into modern infrastructure.

“Industry stakeholders must prepare for a new era of innovation and sustainability, where GFRP materials become the standard for durable, cost-effective and environmentally responsible construction,” Fiford concludes.