Allen Fiford, CEO of GFRP Tech, and Richard Krolewski, CEO of FRP Institute USA, have announced the formation of the GFRP Institute South Africa—a strategic initiative aimed at transforming the education, adoption, and manufacturing of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites across Africa. 

Developed in partnership with the FRP Institute USA and Composite Tech, a leading provider of mechanical production equipment, the GFRP Institute South Africa will serve as the continent’s first dedicated hub for GFRP research, training, and manufacturing. The initiative will also establish GFRP-Tech as a flagship manufacturing plant focused on producing high-performance GFRP products tailored to industrial and infrastructural needs. 

The institute will play a central role in promoting sustainable materials by advocating for GFRP as a lightweight, corrosion-resistant alternative to traditional resources like steel and iron. By reducing dependency on mined materials, the initiative supports global sustainable development goals and a greener circular economy.