Fire & backup water storage
Bidfood Port Elizabeth — 1 ML Square Panel Fire & Backup Water Tank
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
Client
Bidfood (Chefs Shop distribution centre)
Capacity
1,000 kL (1 million litres)
Tank type
Pressed square panel galvanised steel tank
Standards
SANS 10329 · ASIB fire water specification
Project Overview
A 1 million litre pressed square panel steel tank installed at Bidfood's Port Elizabeth distribution centre, providing a dedicated fire protection reserve and backup water supply for the facility.
The Challenge
A large food distribution centre in Gqeberha needed a reliable fire water reserve for its sprinkler system, plus backup water to keep operations running through municipal supply interruptions — all within a compact yard footprint next to the gatehouse and loading ramp.
Our Solution
A pressed square panel galvanised steel tank was engineered to hold 1 million litres in a rectangular footprint that fits the site layout. The modular panels were bolted together on concrete plinths, with caged access ladders, roof guardrails, level indicators and dedicated fire and supply pipework.
Scope of Work
- Tank sizing for fire reserve and backup supply
- Square panel tank design to suit the available footprint
- Concrete plinth and base preparation
- Erection of galvanised pressed steel panels
- Caged access ladders, roof guardrails and level indicators
- Fire water and supply pipework connections
The Result
Bidfood PE now has 1 ML of dedicated fire and backup water on site, protecting the facility and keeping the distribution centre running during water outages.
Need Something Similar in the Eastern Cape?
This project was completed with our steel tank manufacturing partner, Videx, and published with their permission. We deliver the same engineering, manufacturing and installation standard for commercial, industrial, farming and residential water storage across Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Kariega (Uitenhage), Jeffreys Bay, East London and the wider Eastern Cape — plus temporary water bladder rentals while a tank is being built or repaired.
