MPS SOUTH AFRICA: Driving Excellence Through Every Pipe and Project
Matt Buirski, Director at Modular Plumbing Systems, tells Enterprise Africa that the company is blossoming after a merger that joined GDM Plumbing and Sebenza Sanitary Engineering to form the group. With impressive project underway across South Africa, MPS is becoming recognised as a go-to partner for complex plumbing engineering.
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South Africa’s construction sector has long depended on specialist contractors working diligently behind the scenes to deliver the modern projects that shape the nation’s property sector. Plumbing, often unnoticed when it works, has become increasingly central as water scarcity and sustainability concerns reform how buildings are designed and operated. In this evolving landscape, Modular Plumbing Solutions (MPS) has positioned itself as a key player, delivering complex systems that support resilience across some of the country’s most prominent developments.
The business as it stands today is the result of a strategic merger between GDM Contract Plumbing and Sebenza Sanitary Engineering, two companies that had already built strong reputations independently. Bringing them together created a more comprehensive operation, capable of handling both design and installation at scale, while also responding to a clear gap in the market for a professional, integrated plumbing specialist.
“We have more than 400 employees and we operate in Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KZN. The business is owned by myself, David Buirski, and Dale Hawkins, and commenced operations in 2007,” says Director, Matt Buirski. The growth has been steady, underpinned by a consistent flow of work. “With all the ups and downs, we have managed to keep a lot of work running and that has us feeling blessed. We are regularly running 40-50 projects at a time and that is very good for us.”
That volume reflects a deliberate decision not to be constrained by a single discipline. “We are not focusing on one sector, such as residential or commercial only. We are very diverse across a range of plumbing activities,” Buirski explains. This flexibility has allowed the business to remain active across multiple segments, from hospitals and hotels to industrial facilities and residential developments.
The story of MPS is rooted in collaboration. “In 2015, we were two separate companies, GDM Contract Plumbing and Sebenza Sanitary Engineering. We were two independent businesses but doing a lot of work together, including a lot of JV contracts,” Buirski recalls.
Expansion into new regions brought the benefits of closer alignment into focus. “We then had the opportunity to open an office in Cape Town together and we realised we were stronger together rather than competing in different geographies.”
The eventual merger formalised that thinking. “Two years ago, we merged the businesses to form Modular Plumbing Solutions to try and create a professional and comprehensive plumbing business in South Africa, which we thought there was a lack of. We have our own inhouse engineering and drawing desk, and we have a full suite of large clients.” That in-house capability has become increasingly important as projects demand more sophisticated system design, particularly in areas such as HVAC and heat pump infrastructure.
Across Africa, plumbing is taking on a more strategic role, especially as developers respond to water shortages and environmental pressures. Efficient water management systems and energy-saving technologies are no longer optional extras but core components of modern developments. In South Africa, ongoing water challenges have only intensified this shift, pushing contractors and clients alike to prioritise performance and sustainability.
PROJECT DELIVERY
MPS’s recent projects reflect its ability to operate at the forefront of these demands. In Cape Town, the refurbishment of the Table Bay Hotel stands out as a technically complex and high-pressure contract. “Our Table Bay Hotel project is special as it is one of just a few water-to-water heat pump systems in the country, and is probably the biggest,” Buirski says. The scale and timeframe added to the challenge. “It was a large value, short timeline, critical project for both us and the client and we think we managed to deliver that really well.”
Beyond meeting deadlines, the project required innovation and precision as the famous hotel was revamped to become part of IHG. “Our team worked diligently to implement cutting-edge plumbing systems that not only enhance the functionality of the hotel but also contribute to its luxurious ambiance.” In high-end hospitality environments, the reliability and efficiency of water systems are integral to the overall experience, placing added emphasis on quality delivery.
Elsewhere in the Western Cape, MPS has been active in residential developments, including projects such as the Stellenbosch One development and the Sitari site in Somerset West. As housing demand grows, developers are increasingly focused on incorporating efficient water systems that can withstand supply constraints while maintaining performance. This has created opportunities for contractors able to combine technical expertise with practical delivery.
In the industrial space, the Signal Hill Brewery installation highlights a different set of capabilities. “We were tasked with installing 1060 meters of stainless steel piping, ranging from 160mm to 250mm, adhering to the AIME standard, as well as 500m of 160mm to 500mm HDPE pipeline,” Buirski explains. The timeline was particularly demanding. “With an almost impossible 60-day programme, our team demonstrated exceptional dedication and efficiency, meeting the tight deadlines, from receiving the drawings to closing the trenches.”
Maintaining standards under pressure was critical and has become the company’s hallmark. “To ensure the highest quality and safety standards, we conducted a variety of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) assessments throughout the installation process. Once installed, the pipes were covered with a robust layer of 1 MPa soilcrete, providing added durability and support.” The project demonstrates how industrial clients increasingly expect precision and reliability on par with more visible sectors.
Growth into new regions is another important part of the story. “Our first major project in KZN will see us work on the new Liebherr Competence and Distribution Centre in Durban. This milestone marks another step in MPS’s growth as we continue delivering high-performance plumbing and mechanical solutions on South Africa’s most prestigious projects.”
At the same time, the pipeline of work remains strong in existing markets. “We have also been appointed as the official plumbing contractor for the exciting new Noka Park warehouse project in Kempton Park, Gauteng,” says Buirski.
EXCELLENCE FIRST
Sustaining that level of activity depends heavily on partnership and collaboration. “We have great relationships with a number of the national merchants. We work closely with a lot of subcontractors and suppliers to deliver the very best quality available,” Buirski says.
The company’s client base reflects a similar focus. “In terms of clients, we are also working with the biggest and the best, and some of the largest construction firms in the country call on us to deliver plumbing solutions for them.”
Operating at speed is another defining feature, and something which partners must adopt. “We operate a very fast pace and are always looking for partners who can support us at that pace. Our turnaround times are very quick and therefore our suppliers have to be able to deliver on that,” Buirski stresses. This ability to respond quickly is often the difference between success and delay on major construction projects.
At the same time, the business places strong emphasis on ethics and is not about accomplishment at all costs. “We are deeply driven by ethics; all of our partners are vetted, and we simply refuse to work with anyone who does not share our ethical standards,” Buirski confirms. That commitment reinforces trust across its network and supports long-term collaboration.
Excellence and a commitment to quality is the thread that runs through every aspect of the operation. This is pushed by the owners, and is felt throughout the company’s culture. “We drive excellence in the business. From how we present employees and how we deliver our invoices, to how our work is presented, every single thing must be done with excellence.” It is a philosophy that extends beyond technical delivery to encompass the entire client experience.
As South Africa’s infrastructure challenges continue to evolve, the demand for reliable, high-performance plumbing solutions is only set to increase. With a national footprint, a diversified project base, and a clear focus on quality and integrity, Modular Plumbing Solutions is well placed to build on its momentum.
For the company, growth is less about changing direction and more about refining what already works: strong partnerships, technical capability, and a consistent commitment to doing things properly. In a sector where success is often measured by seamless performance, that approach continues to set MPS apart.