After a decade of product development and ongoing technical support from AfriSam’s Centre of Product Excellence (CPE), South African precast manufacturer Float Concrete is taking its innovative lightweight concrete panels and 3D tiles to international markets.

Based in Krugersdorp, Float Concrete has evolved from a specialist concrete flooring and furniture business into a manufacturer of high-performance architectural concrete products that are increasingly being specified by architects, designers and developers both locally and abroad.

The company’s lightweight concrete panels and sculptural 3D tiles replicate the appearance of fair-faced concrete while offering greater consistency, reduced weight and easier installation. Through continuous refinement of its proprietary concrete mix designs, Float Concrete has developed products that are lighter, stronger and more durable than conventional concrete alternatives.

“From the beginning, it has been a constant process of improving the mix, making it lighter and stronger,” says Float Concrete Co-Founder and CEO Waldo Meyer. “In recent years, we have focused entirely on developing our panel and 3D tile ranges while scaling up production to meet growing international demand.”

Meyer explains that the products were originally developed in response to architects seeking a reliable alternative to in-situ concrete finishes.

“Architects wanted a guaranteed concrete finish that could be specified with confidence,” he says. “Our panels provide the authentic appearance of concrete while giving architects greater control over colour, texture and quality.”

Float Concrete’s Manufacturing Director, Francois Pretorius, says the company’s ability to advance its lightweight concrete technology has been significantly strengthened through its long-standing relationship with AfriSam.

“The journey to develop a lightweight, high-strength product has involved extensive testing and refinement of materials and mix designs,” says Pretorius. “AfriSam has been willing to work with us as we investigated new materials and processes, helping us source products, test them and evaluate the results.”

He notes that the consistency of AfriSam’s cement products has been particularly important as even small variations can affect the final appearance and performance of the finished products.

“The quality and consistency of AfriSam’s cement have been excellent and we have also received exceptional service and technical support,” he says.

AfriSam Technical Consultant Bheki Makhathini says the company’s Centre of Product Excellence has assisted Float Concrete with testing, mix design evaluation and product performance assessments, including compressive and flexural strength testing.

“We assisted in evaluating different cement options and worked with Float Concrete to improve durability, consistency and production efficiency,” says Makhathini. “These products represent a highly specialised application of concrete technology.”

He emphasises that the products offer benefits beyond aesthetics. “Far from being a standard concrete product, this is a specialised architectural solution that delivers durability, aesthetic appeal and thermal benefits,” he says. “The company has continually improved its manufacturing processes and product performance, and it is rewarding to see the progress they have made.”

The collaboration has also enabled Float Concrete to benefit from AfriSam’s broad cement portfolio including High Strength Cement and the company’s premium Rapid Hard Cement.

According to AfriSam Territory Sales Manager for Concrete Product Manufacturers, Abdullah Hajee, the partnership demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting innovation throughout the construction value chain.

“When we first engaged with Float Concrete, we immediately recognised the potential of what they were doing,” says Hajee. “They are ambitious, innovative and constantly looking for ways to improve their products. As AfriSam, we are proud to support that journey through reliable cement supply and access to the technical expertise within our Centre of Product Excellence.”

Hajee believes the partnership highlights how local innovation can create opportunities beyond South Africa’s borders. “Float Concrete is developing products that are attracting growing international attention, and we are excited to be part of that success story,” he says. “Together, we are demonstrating what can be achieved when quality materials, technical expertise and entrepreneurial innovation come together.”