Supply and installation specialist plastic pipes manufacturer Pexmart, which manufactures pipes of between 20 mm and 800 mm and fits high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes for the water, sewage and industrial pipes industries has joined the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (Sappma).

“By joining the association, our company has more exposure through the Sappma website. Being involved with discussions and Sappma meetings has allowed us to learn about the industry, while we can also contribute back into the industry with the knowledge and expertise we possess,” explains Pexmart sales and marketing manager Renier Pieterse.

He mentions that being part of Sappma differentiates the responsible players in the field from those who are reckless about quality and ethics and also unlocks substantial benefits to members.

Along with Pexmart, Sappma has welcomed ten new members since the beginning of the year, of which five are manufacturers of both polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and HDPE piping.

“A well-engineered pipe system is dependent on good design, high-quality pipes and a strict adherence to standards. “We are proud of the fact that we are now representing close to 90% of all the plastic pipes being produced in South Africa,” says Sappma CEO Jan Venter.

Among the new companies is plastic pipes specialist Macneil Plastics, which specialises in PVC pressure pipe, sewer pipe, plumbing fittings, irrigation fittings and HDPE pipes. It serves both the plumbing industry as well as the civils industry, he points out.

“By joining Sappma, we are seen as a legitimate partner in the industry as all role-players in the industry are aware of the quality standards and pledges that Sappma holds us accountable to. “We want to be seen as being subject to these quality pledges,” says Macneil Plastics MD Derek Faulds.

Plastic pipes specialist Swan Plastics is based in Durban and supplies the building, agriculture, mining and electrical industries with SANS and JASWIC approved plastic pipe products. The company also forms part of the 11 new companies that have joined Sappma and will be com- plying with its regulations.