About Us
In 1992, FLOWTECH LIMITED started operations in Blantyre, Malawi, fuelled by a visionary ambition to redefine the plastic pipe industry. The company's inception marked the establishment of a uPVC (unplasticized Poly Vinyl Chloride) pipe and fittings manufacturing division, laying the groundwork for its journey.
Rapid expansion followed, as FLOWTECH augmented its capabilities with new products to support the core business of piping solutions, thus broadening its product verticals and solidifying its position in the market.
In 2011, FLOWTECH diversified its product offering by introducing the production of HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene) pipes, PPR (Poly Propylene Random Copolymer) pipes tailored for hot and cold water installations, and LDPE (Low-Density Poly Ethylene) pipes.
This strategic expansion marked a turning point in the company's evolution, enriching its offerings and reinforcing its commitment to innovation and diversification.
In 2014, FLOWTECH reached a significant regional milestone with the commissioning of a new large-bore PVC production line, capable of manufacturing 500mm diameter pipes. This technological advancement marked a pivotal moment in FLOWTECH's trajectory, enabling the company to swiftly align with market demands and further expand its product portfolio.
In 2022, FLOWTECH underscored its commitment to innovation by achieving another landmark: becoming the pioneering pipe manufacturer in Malawi to develop local production of mPVC (Modified Poly Vinyl Chloride) pipes.
This breakthrough was instrumental in expanding the company's international presence, offering an economical alternative to traditional uPVC pipes and demonstrating FLOWTECH's relentless pursuit of excellence and advancement in the industry.
FLOWTECH changed the regional dynamics by becoming the first company in Malawi to commercially offer mPVC pipes produced locally. This monumental accomplishment showcases FLOWTECH's determination and manufacturing capabilities, while cruising towards sustainable growth.
Top Management is committed to manufacturing and delivering quality pipes & fittings that will merit customer satisfaction.
Our International Presence
Here are some frequently asked questions
What types of products do you manufacture?
- uPVC Pipes: Pressure Pipes
- uPVC Borehole Casings (Threaded & Solvent Joints)
- uPVC Electrical Conduits
- uPVC Sewer & Drain Pipes
- mPVC Pressure Pipes (1st in manufacturer in Malawi)
- HDPE Pipe & HDPE Tele-ducts
- LDPE Pipes
- PPR Pipes
- Solvent Cement & Cleaning Fluids
- PP Electrical Accessories (Couplings, Saddles, Nipples, Electrical Boxes and Cover)
- Fabricated PVC accessories such as End Caps (Threaded & Solvent Joint), Bends, Tees, etc.
What are the key features and specifications of your pipes?
- These pipes are made from rigid PVC resin, PE or PP Polymer, making them durable and resistant to chemical reactions.
- Our pipes are known for their long lifespan as guided by the relevant International Standards. They are resistant to corrosion, rust, and chemical erosion, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
- Despite being lightweight, our plastic pipes are strong and can withstand high pressure and impact. They are commonly used for underground applications and transitional above-ground installations.
- Our pipes have a smooth interior surface, which facilitates the efficient flow of fluids without causing any obstruction. This feature also prevents the buildup of sediment and scale inside the pipes.
- Our PVC and HDPE pipes are resistant to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, making them suitable for short to medium term outdoor applications involving exposure to sunlight.
- Polymer pipes are cost-effective compared to traditional materials like metal or concrete. They are relatively easy to install, require minimal maintenance, and have a low lifecycle cost.
- Our PVC, HDPE, PPR, & LDPE pipes are available in a wide range of sizes to suit different applications, from small-diameter pipes for household plumbing to large-diameter pipes for industrial and municipal use.
- Our plastic pipes are recyclable and contribute to sustainable development. They have a lower carbon footprint compared to other materials and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
- Flowtech’s PVC, HDPE, PPR, & LDPE pipes comply with relevant industry standards and regulations, such as those set by International Organization for Standardization (ISO), South African National Standards (SANS), or Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS).
What quality management standards do you follow?
Our QMS is ISO 9001: 2015 certified by South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Flowtech is routinely audited by external auditors from South Africa.
What types of products do you manufacture?
- uPVC Pressure Pipes: Malawi Bureau of Standards MS 617 identical to ISO 1452-2
- uPVC Pressure Pipes: Malawi Bureau of Standards MS 666-1 the certifying auditor for SANS 966-1
- uPVC Threaded Casings Pipes: Threading As per DIN 4925
- uPVC Sewer Pipes: As per BSEN 1401 and SANS 791
- uPVC Soil, Waste, and Vent (SWV) Pipes: As per SANS 967
- uPVC Conduit Pipes: Malawi Bureau of Standards MS 2
- mPVC Pipes: As per SANS 966-2
- HDPE Pipes: Malawi Bureau of Standards MS 374 identical to ISO 4427
- PPR Pipes: As per ISO 15874
- Solvent Cement: Malawi Bureau of Standards MS 88
Which industries commonly use your pipes?
Municipal water distribution, construction, electrical ducting, plumbing, farming, telecommunication, water drilling and mining.
What specific applications are your pipes suitable for?
- Our PVC and HDPE are primarily used for water reticulation.
- Ducting applications can be fulfilled by HDPE pipes and uPVC conduits.
- PPR Pipes are ideal for hot and cold water application along with supplying compressed air.
- LDPE Pipes are commonly used for irrigation systems.
Can you customize pipes and fittings to suit customer requirements?
Our pipes and fittings can be customized by reviewing the end application and ensuring that the effectiveness and the quality guidelines are not compromised.
How flexible are you in adapting to varying order sizes?
We have multiple warehouses to stock diverse and immediate requirements for fast moving items, and modern extrusion machines that ensures swift production and delivery for large scale orders.
What is your typical lead time for delivering pipe orders?
We maintain substantial stock of usually fast moving items. For other specific requirements the lead time can range from 1 day to 1 week depending on size, pressure rating and quantities.
How do you handle urgent requests?
We always indicate the lead time for all requirements, but for urgent requests, we review the existing production plans and explore possibilities of accommodating the order to meet our clients’ expectations.
What quality assurance do you provide to your clients?
We can provide our lab test reports upon request. In addition, we can also provide the product technical data sheets.
Flowtech’s state of the art quality control lab is equipped with digitally enabled test setup as demanded by standards of Malawi Bureau of Standards, South African Bureau of Standards and other International Standards. A stringent ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management System (QMS) ensures a rigorous and uncompromising online and offline testing of pipes, sampled from batches during production followed by test reports.
How do you assist customers during installation or troubleshooting?
Flowtech has a rich clientele of competent contractors who have been purchasing and installing our products on a regular basis and we are always willing to connect them with our customers for installation and troubleshooting assistance.
Complaints or issues related to our products are exceptionally rare and typically stem from either the improper selection of pipe specifications for the given application or mishandling of materials on-site.
Our troubleshooting process begins with a root cause analysis, facilitated by inspecting and testing the product in question at our Quality Control laboratory. This analysis is followed by a comprehensive test report, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
Do you provide delivery to site?
Flowtech is armed with an efficient logistics team and regularly delivers across the SADC region either with our own fleet or through 3rd party service providers.