GFRP Tech enhancing security in the construction industry and launching first South African manufacturing facility

With theft and organised crime posing significant challenges to project timelines and costs, these innovative solutions aim to address pressing issues head-on.

“As highlighted at the recent cidb National Construction Summit, the urgent need for effective security measures has never been more apparent, as the country continues to face challenges of extortion, vandalism and theft. Our products, made from Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), offer a dual advantage: they improve construction efficiency while serving as a deterrent,” notes GFRP Tech CEO Allen Fiford.

Unlike traditional materials such as steel rebar and mesh, which have high resale values, the innovative EnviraBar and EnviraMesh possess little to no value on the resale market. This unique characteristic significantly reduces the incentive for theft, providing the construction industry, developers and investors in infrastructure with peace of mind.

“Our commitment to innovation extends beyond just enhancing construction processes; we aim to protect our clients’ investments from the rising tide of crime,” Fiford adds. “By using materials that lack resale value, we can effectively deter theft and safeguard valuable assets on site.”

In addition to introducing the new products, GFRP Tech advocates for a comprehensive approach to security in the construction industry. “We encourage construction firms to adopt robust perimeter security measures, implement access control systems, and leverage technology-driven solutions such as tracking systems for equipment and tools. These strategies are essential in creating a safer working environment for all stakeholders involved.”

As South Africa’s construction sector plays a vital role in driving economic growth –contributing approximately 3% to gross domestic product – addressing crime in this industry is crucial. “We are dedicated to supporting efforts that not only protect projects but also foster job creation and community development,” Fiford concludes.

GFRP Tech launches first South African manufacturing facility

Besides, GFRP Tech has launched the first manufacturing facility of its kind in South Africa. The new facility, situated in Linbro Park, Gauteng, will manufacture GFRP Rebar, GFRP Mesh and GFRP Bends, a first on the African continent.

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

GFRP Tech’s manufacturing facility has been through stringent international testing and audited by a team of experts from the FRP Institute in the United States. Their first order was manufactured and delivered to a construction project in Bedfordview, close to Johannesburg, during September 2024.

“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,” noted GFRP Tech director Allen 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. “These products are 75% lighter and three times stronger than steel, resistant to corrosion, and designed to last,” said Fiford.

He highlighted that with these properties, EnviraBar and EnviraMesh are ideal for applications in harsher environments. “Besides these benefits, our GFRP products further enhances structural integrity, while reducing the risk of concrete cancer,” Fiford said, noting 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 added.

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 cutting on turnaround times for construction projects,” Fiford highlighted.

The Audited Certified Facility through The FRP Insitute.org (USA), which provides high-quality ASTM standards of testing and material quality strengths, is set to produce 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 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,” noted GFRP Tech director of sales and marketing Gareth Roberts.

“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 concluded.

About GFRP Tech

GFRP Tech is a leading innovator in the manufacturing and application of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) technologies for the construction industry. By offering advanced, corrosion-resistant and environmentally-friendly rebar and mesh such as EnviraBar and EnviraMesh, they are shaping the next generation of infrastructure and equipping engineers, architects and developers with products that build a sustainable future.

Cover photo: Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer Rebar, EnviraBar