With ongoing technical support from AfriSam’s Centre of Product Excellence (CPE), South African precast manufacturer Float Concrete says its innovative lightweight concrete panels and three dimensional (3D) tiles are attracting growing international interest.

Based in Krugersdorp, Float Concrete explains that it 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 says its lightweight concrete panels and sculptural 3D tiles replicate the appearance of fair-faced concrete while offering greater consistency, reduced weight and easier installation.

“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, noting that the products give the appearance of concrete while offering greater control over colour, texture and quality.

Float Concrete manufacturing director Francois Pretorius asserts that the company’s ability to advance its lightweight concrete technology has been 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.

AfriSam technical consultant Bheki Makhathini says the company’s CPE has assisted Float Concrete with testing, mix design evaluation and product performance assessments, including compressive and flexural strength testing.

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.

AfriSam notes that the collaboration has also enabled Float Concrete to benefit from its cement portfolio including High Strength cement and the company’s Rapid Hard cement.

AfriSam territory sales manager: concrete product manufacturers Abdullah Hajee says 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.