After 117 years of service, Agrico has become well known for manufacturing beautiful centre pivots, smart irrigation solutions and rugged farm implements.
But did you know that they also operate a highly successful PVC pipe factory? In fact, with over 30 years of experience, Agrico is currently the oldest remaining supplier of PVC pipe in Southern Africa.
Here are five things to know about Agrico PVC pipe:
1. Agrico manufactures their own PVC pipe range
Agrico manufactures PVC pipe in their large-scale production facility in Bellville, Cape Town. There they produce and sell more than 3 000 km of PVC pipe per year. An in-house team closely oversees the manufacturing process and ensures each pipe is subjected to stringent controls to ensure quality and longevity.
In response to customer requests, Agrico uPVC pipe has adopted the familiar colours of light blue for uPVC, a darker blue for mPVC, and beige for sewerage and drain (S&D) pipe, making it easy to identify and sell the correct pipe to the end customer.
2. Agrico covers the full range
Agrico manufactures PVC pressure pipe with diameters ranging from 20Â mm up to 500Â mm and operating pressures ranging from 400 kPa up to 2.5 MPa (class 4 to class 25). The latest addition to the PVC range has a somewhat less common diameter of 355 mm, and is manufactured in pressure classes 4, 6, 9, 12 and 16.
They also supply the full range of uPVC and mPVC pipes in all standard diameters (from 20 mm all the way up to 630 mm) in pressure classes from class 4 up to class 25.
Agrico’s IsoFlo range of uPVC (unplasticised PVC) pipe is economical, durable, corrosion free and easy to install. It is widely used in a variety of agricultural and industrial applications.
The IsoTuff range of mPVC (modified PVC) pipe, recently added to the lineup, is manufactured by combining PVC with a toughness enhancing agent, making it resistant to impacts and shocks and allowing a saving in material to be achieved.
Sewerage and drain pipe, manufactured in the same factory and sold in the Isodrain range, is the latest addition to their PVC family and is used underground in non-pressure applications for the conveyance of sewage and drain water.
Along with PVC pipe, the company also supplies high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pipe, rubber and plastic hoses, flanged and quick-coupling galvanised steel pipes.
3. All PVC pipes are SANS-certified
All Agrico PVC pipe is certified by South African Technical Auditing Services (SATAS) to comply with the respective SANS-standards for full peace of mind.
IsoFlo, IsoTuff and IsoDrain pipes conform respectively to the SANS 966-1, SANS 966-2 and SANS 791 standards, and are certified as such.
4. Agrico’s PVC pipes are used for more than irrigation
While Agrico is known for mainly servicing the agricultural market, PVC pipe is used for a variety of consumer, commercial and industrial applications in a variety of market sectors. Thanks to its various benefits, such as its resistance to chemicals and corrosion, strength and durability, PVC pipe is suited to a wide variety of applications. Some of its uses include:
- main water supply lines for many homes, carrying clean water to home;
- sewage transportation in underground municipal sewerage systems to wastewater treatment facilities;
- irrigation systems, as it’s smooth internal surface reduces fluid friction and facilitates high flow rates;
- industrial chemical handling.
5. Agrico delivers at the right price
Agrico carries extensive stock through its thirty-eight branches, ready for sale and delivery. With an extensive vehicle fleet, they can transport high-quality well-priced PVC pipe across the continent to individual buyers, middlemen and large firms and alike.
Although the cost of PVC pipe has increased in the last five to 10 years, PVC pipe is still more affordable than other types of pipes, while offering an array of benefits.
Through the combination of in-house manufacturing, extensive inventory and an integrated supply chain, Agrico is able to provide optimised, cost-effective solutions for every need.
