Construction connection technology supplier Peikko recently entered the South African market offering ‘ground-breaking’ technology to improve efficiency and boost cost savings in the construction sector.

The company – part of the global Peikko group – supplies faster, safer and more efficient solutions to design and build with its concrete connections and slim-floor structures, besides others, which are primed to boost the performance of precast and cast-in-situ projects.

Although the South African construction sector still lags behind the rest of the world from a precast concrete design and build point of view, it is slowly gaining traction, despite the market’s conservative stance on new technologies and systems, says Peikko South Africa MD Daniel Petrov.

“While we are new to South Africa, the company’s available product offering has what it takes to offer smart solutions for precasters and construction companies in the country. Our systems can make their operations easier and accelerate construction processes. “In essence, we offer companies speed of construction installation equating to overall project cost savings.”

He also states that the local market’s slow uptake of its products and systems is often because of “the fear of the unknown”. Although it may take a great deal of time and effort, the company is undertaking various initiatives, such as workshops, technical seminars and the traditional face-to-face engagements, to have close dialogue with potential clients and further penetrate the market.

The company’s products and systems can be applied in precast structures, cast-in-situ structures and ground-bearing concrete floors, among others. Peikko’s products can also be customised to suit the local conditions of different projects.

“The outlook for South Africa is promising, with positive signs of the economy recovering. We gauge the construction sector’s progress by the number of tower cranes we see in the air and there are many in areas such as Sandton and Steyn City, both in Gauteng. We have also identified that there is a gap in the residential market, as there is a severe shortage of accommodation,” he tells Engineering News.

Further, the company’s previous projects include work done for shopping centres Cedar Square and Columbine Square, also in Gauteng.

The company played an integral role in the construction of Fourways Mall, which is now the largest mall in South Africa and probably Africa. It is currently involved in a project for King Edward School, in Houghton, Gauteng, where its reinforced anchor coupler system is being used to construct a new state-of-the-art aquatics centre.

Peikko South Africa also aims to move into the wider African market and it is receiving enquiries from construction companies in countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius and Zambia.

“We rely on the buy-in of industry professionals who, ultimately, select the products and systems for projects. This is a new approach for the industry, but we believe the time and cost savings and early return on investment, coupled with Peikko’s proven record and expertise, will be seen and recognised by the market,” concludes Petrov.