Architect and Builder December 2016 | Page 74

Prefabricated Plumbing Systems from Modern Plumbing Works It was clear to Simeone Giuricich, in 1938, that there was a real need for a forward-thinking, reliable plumbing company in South Africa, which is why he established Modern Plumbing Works (MPW) T he key to Giuricich’s success was his absolute commitment to quality – a legacy which remains to this day over 78 years later. In the 1970s, MPW began to diversify and work on large-scale construction projects, rapidly becoming one of the largest construction plumbing companies in the region. In 2001, MPW Cape was established and, like its operation in JHB, it quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the Western Cape. MPW is proud to have been appointed on some of South Africa’s flagship projects such as: Michelangelo Towers, The One & Only Hotel, Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital, Ocean View Apartments, Portside, DSTV City, Tshwane House, Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, to name but a few. In July 2015, MPW Cape was appointed as the preferred plumbing contractor for the Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital project in Cape Town. “One of the main challenges was the extremely fast construction programme. In addition, dry walling was specified for all internal walls which can make plumbing installations rather difficult. MPW was able to provide the perfect solution to keep the programme on track. Our unique prefabricated plumbing systems worked like a dream” says Lawrence Kleiman, Director of MPW Cape. The prefabricated plumbing system is a simple concept: in a factory environment, design and fabricate lightweight steel frames, install the complete water and drainage reticulation systems in the frame, test water and drainage and ensure systems are free of leaks, deliver to site and install. Once the prefabricated plumbing frame has been installed, clad with dry walling and continue with the next phase of construction. “The three main benefits of prefabrication are: speed, accuracy and an assurance of uniformity. As 99% of the first fix plumbing installation is carried out in our factory, we are able to achieve all of the above, without compromising on quality. We are able to remain ahead of programme as our prefabricated frames are programme friendly, up to 65% saved on installation time. This is hugely beneficial to the developer, professional team, main contractor, and dare I say, to other sub contractors on site as well.” states Dean Cane, Ops Manager of MPW. Knowing that dry wall systems are not always specified for projects, MPW developed prefabricated plumbing frames for brickwork applications as well. Visit: www.prefabplumbing.co.za to find out more. Left: MPW’s prefabricated plumbing frame for dry wall applications - used at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Below: MPW’s Cast in Frame – for brickwork installations. 72 Advertorial