CyberFloor Company Profile

Background

CyberFloor was developed in the early 1990s after a need was identified by John Gaillard of Gaillard Facilities Management. The product was conceived to address the challenges posed by traditional steel access floors, which were expensive and had significant impacts on building construction, such as ceiling heights and floor loadings. Steel access floors, which can weigh up to 60kg per square meter, were originally developed for mainframe computer rooms but were later extended to office environments due to the lack of more suitable alternatives.

Working in conjunction with Campbell Davies Consulting, a firm of professional electrical engineers, CyberFloor was designed specifically around the South African Building Regulations (SABS 0400) to provide modern office wiring solutions without the expense and logistical problems associated with steel access floors. The goal from the outset was to create a product that could be used in both new developments and retrofit situations, making it versatile for different construction scenarios.

Product Development and Testing

The initial version of CyberFloor was manufactured using locally sourced materials, but this resulted in technical issues due to material quality. To address these problems, a switch was made to a locally sourced material combined with an imported component. Before launching the product, comprehensive testing was undertaken at the University of the Witwatersrand to ensure long-term structural integrity. The product was also tested for compliance with fire safety regulations and static electricity issues by the CSIR and SABS, respectively.

The product's first successful trial installation took place at Rawlins Wales's new head office in Linbro Park, Johannesburg. Following this success, CyberFloor was launched commercially, securing its first major order from African Merchant Bank in Sandton. The product has since been installed in numerous other projects, proving its value in the market.

Future Outlook and Market Expansion

CyberFloor has garnered significant interest both within South Africa and internationally. The product is currently being evaluated for technical approvals in the United Kingdom and the United States, where no similar product exists in the market. As a result of its successful launch, CyberFloor (Pty) Ltd is now fully focused on manufacturing, marketing, and installing the product across South Africa and other parts of the world.