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End of an era for FRC Pipes

11 February, 2025

We wish to inform you that the RCPA Board has decided to close the FRCPA business in 2025. Manufacturing operations at our Meeandah plant in Brisbane will cease once existing orders have been met. Sales will continue until all orders are filled and remaining stock has been cleared. This decision has not been made lightly and comes after thorough evaluation of future market demand and business sustainability.

Our site at Meeandah has a long and proud history, stretching back decades, during which it had become synonymous with service, quality and innovation. The dedication and hard work of our employees and the loyalty of our customers has been at the core of our success, and it is their commitment that has allowed us to achieve remarkable milestones and to operate for more than 60 years. We want to thank each and every one of you for supporting us in the way that you have.

A Rich History in Australian Manufacturing

The origins of FRC Pipe at Meeandah trace back to the 1950s when AC pipe production commenced. The factory evolved during the 1980s to manufacture fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) pipes, marking the beginning of a new era in stormwater drainage solutions. Meeandah became synonymous with high-quality FRC pipes and fittings for the past four decades, complementing Australia's booming infrastructure needs.

For decades, FRC Pipe pioneered the industry in smart pipe technology, delivering fibre reinforced concrete pipes (FRCP) built to meet a 100-year service life. With tens of thousands of kilometres of pipe laid throughout Australia, FRC Pipe has played a part in some of Australia's biggest infrastructure projects, establishing a standard of quality, durability, and efficiency. Originally part of James Hardie, the FRC pipe business was acquired by RCPA in 2015, consolidating its position as the leader in reinforced concrete pipe manufacturing.

A Proud Legacy

The upcoming closure of the FRC pipe factory at Meeandah in 2025 marks the end of an era. While the site will close, its legacy of innovation, excellence, and contribution to critical infrastructure projects will endure. The factory’s decades-long commitment to quality and technological advancement has shaped the industry and set standards that will continue to influence future developments.

As we reflect on this milestone, we celebrate the impact of FRC Pipe and its role in shaping Australia’s infrastructure. The innovation, expertise, and dedication that defined Meeandah’s operations will continue to drive the RCPA business forward in delivering smart, sustainable, and high-performance drainage solutions.

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As a longstanding customer of RCPA, we would like to acknowledge the strong partnership approach they apply in meeting all of our business requirements. RCPA truly understand the importance of building strong relationships with their customers, engaging with our business, and adapting to our needs and requirements, whilst delivering exceptional customer service. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.”
Michael Forte – (COO Symon Bros. Constructions)
We consider RCPA a valued supplier and partner of our business. RCPA has always supplied high quality products in a timely manner, with the utmost professionalism. RCPA is highly respected by us and our clients.
Lendl D-Lima (General Manager Jaydo)
RCPA has continued to provide us with a great service over the years, the team are easy to partner up and work with. The product delivered is of the highest quality and just as importantly, is delivered at the right place, at the right time. Nothing is too much of a hassle with RCPA, any issues are always resolved quickly and in an efficient manner with the customer in mind. RCPA is very understanding and supportive of the industry and its needs, and manages things very well in this often fast paced, short timeframe environment.
Nick Lamb (Branch Manager Reece Civil)
In all my years of dealing with RCPA, I have found their product and service second to none. They are a reliable pipe manufacturer and in most cases, wherever they can, will do whatever it takes to help get pipes on the ground. Their sales and technical support teams are very helpful. Having knowledgeable experts on hand to address technical questions or concerns makes a significant difference. Nothing is ever a hassle.
Gary Hegarty (Civil Project Manager Golding)
We have been dealing with RCPA for a number of years now, and their commitment to supplying quality products at a very competitive price make them a valuable supplier to Shadforth. They are easy to communicate with and they understand our timeframe needs. They are organised, flexible and reliable, and they work hard to meet all requirements. I highly recommend RCPA for all of your concrete stormwater pipe requirements.
Stephen Maher (Procurement Officer Shadforth)

TRN Group have held a working relationship with RCPA for over 8.5 years now & the most appreciated aspects of our dealings with them has been prompt responses to pricing requests and as-proposed delivery schedules met all via good old-fashion personal service from many a long serving staff.

These attributes on each project they are engaged in have resulted in them becoming our top supplier of FRC & SRC Pipe. The upheaval of the recent industry pipe shortage was very challenging, however the RCPA production and sales team assisted in every instance to meet all targets hence ensuring projects were delivered on time. 

Glenn Fordham (Director TRN Group)

NSW Western Earthmoving (WEM) has worked with RCPA for over a decade.

During our longstanding professional relationship, we have always found the team to be consistently customer service focused and responsive in all our interactions.  As a business, we consider RCPA to be a reliable supplier, delivering quality products on time and as ordered for all our projects.

At WEM we value our partnership family and RCPA continues to be part of our team to deliver for our clients.

Graham Ragg (Exec Chairman WEM)