Agrico is gearing up to transform South Africa’s irrigation and water infrastructure with a major manufacturing breakthrough. The company has invested in a new extrusion line capable of producing rigid mPVC and uPVC pipes up to 800mm in diameter—the largest size currently available in Southern Africa. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2026, marking a milestone for both Agrico and the region’s agriculture sector.
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The decision comes after Agrico successfully expanded its product range in 2025 with a 630mm pipe, which was met with strong demand from commercial farmers and water infrastructure planners. “Our investments in quality control have created strong confidence in the market,” explained Roland Andrag, Agrico’s technical director. “Seeing the need for higher-capacity solutions, we believe there is a definite place in Southern Africa for 710mm and 800mm mPVC and uPVC pipes.”
The new production line will manufacture pipes in diameters ranging from 400mm to 800mm, helping to relieve pressure on smaller lines and boosting overall system capacity. According to Agrico factory manager Rynhardt Nelson, these larger pipes will be particularly beneficial for large-scale irrigation schemes. “In South Africa, 710mm pipes are widely used as transmission mains, carrying water from dams to field networks and supporting high-volume operations,” he said. “With farms becoming increasingly commercial, bigger pipes allow greater pumping capacity—farmers can pump more during the day using solar power, instead of running pumps continuously around the clock.”
PVC pipes remain a top choice for farmers thanks to their balance of cost-effectiveness, durability, and versatility. “PVC is corrosion-resistant, lightweight, rustproof, and chemically stable,” Nelson added. “Its smooth interior reduces friction and lowers pumping costs. Larger pipes are critical for bulk water supply, stormwater drainage, and municipal irrigation systems, making them indispensable in rural and peri-urban regions.”
Agrico’s upgrade will support both IsoFlo (uPVC) and IsoTuff (mPVC) pressure-rated lines, all fully accredited under South African National Standards (SANS). Beyond serving agriculture, the expansion will unlock capacity for future growth into sewer and drain pipe production, broadening Agrico’s product offering.
“This investment secures our position as the go-to provider for large-diameter pressure pipes in agriculture, water infrastructure, and construction,” Andrag said. “By freeing up smaller production lines and increasing immediate stock availability, we are giving farmers and municipal planners easier access to reliable, long-lasting piping solutions. Ultimately, this supports water security and helps sustain agro-based economies across Southern Africa.”