Leading manufacturer and supplier of plastic pipes, fittings and irrigation systems, Flo-Tek, on Thursday gave the media a preview of the all new CPVC plumbing solution that will be launched by President Mokgweetsi Masisi in Gaborone tomorrow (Monday). Flo-Tek Chief Executive Officer Vijay Naik said they have partnered with a US based company –Lubrizol (the licence holder for the new CPVC technology)- to bring the durable plumbing piping system for hot and cold water applications that has been installed worldwide for over 50 years in domestic and commercial projects.
Naik said the new innovative system, which is 25-30% cheaper than other plumbing material like copper, is very easy to install and therefore can be used in homes and big industries. He said the new CPVC can be used in diverse industries among the mining, water reticulation and distribution, construction and even private individuals. Once Flo-Tek is given the green light to manufacture the new CPVC, Naik said, they will increase their workforce which currently stands at 550 employees but more than 100.
“We are in the process of accreditation with BOBS. Once that process is complete we will start production,” he said, adding that they continue to identify new innovative products to service the local market where there is a high demand for their products due to water scarcity in Botswana. The CPVC will be produced under the Flo-Tek FlowGuard brand since FloTek has signed the rights for manufacturing and distribution of the products throughout Southern Africa. The licence agreement includes supply of raw material, technical and marketing support and assistance in accrediting to various product quality certififcations.
To show dedication to bringing the new technology to Botswana, Lubrizol has sent one of their Executives to demonstrate how the product works.