Innovations: Rib Loc pipe

The Rib Loc piping system was patented by Adelaide businessman Bill Menzel in 1978. To produce a Rib Loc pipe a plastic strip is spiralled through specially designed machinery which causes the strip's edges to lock together so that a continuous cylinder is formed. The resulting pipe is light yet extremely strong. The plastic can be transported to the location at which the pipes are required and the pipes produced on site. The Rib Loc system has been adapted for reinforcing existing pipes - one end of the old pipe is exposed and the new plastic pipe is spiralled directly in, without the need to excavate the old pipe. Rib Loc pipes are now manufactured and used all over the world. They are commonly used for sewerage systems, stormwater drainage, irrigation and strengthening existing pipes.