Electrical Substation Bolstering, New Zealand

Project Overview

The Kikiwa Electrical Substation, located about 0.6 miles southwest of Nelson in South Island, New Zealand, required a new concrete foundation slab to support critical infrastructure.

Given the high-voltage environment and the need for long-term durability, Mateenbar60™ GFRP fiberglass rebar was selected as the reinforcement material of choice.

Unlike traditional steel rebar, which is electrically conductive and susceptible to corrosion, Mateenbar60™ provides a non-conductive, corrosion-free alternative—ensuring enhanced performance and longevity in demanding conditions.

Project Results

Mateenbar60™ is manufactured in New Zealand and was supplied directly from Pultron’s Gisborne manufacturing facility.

By using Mateenbar60™ for the substation foundation, the project achieved several key advantages:

• Electromagnetic Neutrality – Mateenbar60™ is non-electromagnetic and electromagnetically neutral, ensuring zero interference with high-voltage electrical systems and sensitive magnetic equipment.
• Lightweight for Cost-Effective Logistics – Weighing four times less than steel, Mateenbar60™ fiberglass rebar significantly reduced transportation costs to the remote site and simplified handling and installation.
• Corrosion Resistance for Extended Asset Life – Unlike steel, Mateenbar60™ does not corrode, providing a 100-year design life with minimal maintenance, even in challenging environments.

By incorporating Mateenbar60™ GFRP rebar, the Kikiwa Electrical Substation foundation is now reinforced with a durable, non-conductive, and maintenance-free solution—supporting New Zealand’s energy infrastructure for generations to come.

Building the Future with Mateenbar^®

For over 30 years globally, Mateenbar® has been a leader in strength, purpose, and sustainable innovation—proudly made in the USA and fully BABA-compliant. When infrastructure projects demand proven durability, superior performance, and long-term resilience, Mateenbar60™ is the smart choice. Contact our team today to learn how GFRP rebar can optimize your next project, reduce lifecycle costs, and deliver lasting results. Discover why Mateenbar® reinforces what matters most—building the future of infrastructure, one project at a time.