GFRP TECH LAUNCHES FIRST SOUTH AFRICAN MANUFACTURING FACILITY
GFRP Tech , a manufacturer and supplier of glass fiber reinforced polymer ( GFRP ) products , 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 . There is 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 .
“ 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 . www . gfrptech . co . za
THE ELANGENI AND MAHARANI HOTELS TO BE TRANSFORMED
The eThekwini Municipality recently announced the Southern Sun Hotel Group as the preferred bidder for the lease and redevelopment of the Elangeni and Maharani hotels for a period of 50 years .
This follows a comprehensive public participation process and request for proposals initiated by the municipality in terms of the applicable regulatory processes . The redevelopment will enable the municipality to realise its vision as outlined in the Inner-City Local Area Plan , which is to protect and enhance the beachfront as a key tourism asset .
The redevelopment entails an estimated capital investment of R1 billion , including the refurbishment of the Elangeni and Maharani hotels as well as the Garden Court South Beach and The Edward hotels , which are also owned by Southern Sun .
In addition , a fund of R5 million will be made available to restore and maintain the Sunken Gardens , a historically significant park owned by the municipality on the beachfront in front of the hotels . Some of the upgrades to the hotels include :
Maharani Tower
Elangeni Tower Modernisation of the lobby and refurbishment of the bedrooms and bathrooms , along with the introduction of natural light into the conference area .
The redevelopment also brings with it innovative solutions that
Elangeni Tower promote sustainability and minimise the impact on the environment , including the installation of solar panels on both towers to augment the electricity supply and grey water system which produces roughly 45 ML per annum and should save approximately 35 % of the total annual water usage .
The Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani currently employs approximately 450 employees , and all those jobs will be retained with a further 200 jobs created during the refurbishment phase which is expected to last for 36 months after commencement .
Maharani Tower The upgrade of the lobby with enhanced finishes , including a new reception desk , re-carpeted and painted staircase and upgraded public bathrooms .
Enhancements to the second-floor level with an enclosed pre-function and overflow restaurant .
Full refurbishment of the suites which includes 3 presidential suites combined with the 43 high-floor level rooms . These will be designated as the Club floor experience , providing guests with access to the Club Floor exclusive area use bringing a five-star element back to the Durban Beachfront .
The rooftop pool bar will be refurbished to create a modern , attractive pool space with sophisticated bar offering .
News Watch 5