An Australian manufacturer has developed ultraviolet-radiation-resistant PVC fencing that is popular with the country's horse-racing and equestrian industry.
PFS Fencing Pty. Ltd., based in Maroochydore, has secured contracts to provide 2.2 miles of fencing for Melbourne's Flemington race course, home of Australia's premier annual horse-racing event, the Melbourne Cup.
PFS also has provided fencing to some of Australia's top stud operations and trainers, including 12.4 miles of UV-resistant fencing to Wadham Park Pty. Ltd., which claims to have Australia's best horse training facilities in Victoria and Queensland.
PFS co-owner Les Hanslo said the PVC fencing incorporated “the right mix” of UV inhibitors, including high-grade titanium dioxide, to ensure it is fit for Australia's high UV environment.
“UV in Australia can be three times higher than in the Northern Hemisphere,” Hanslo said.
“Most Chinese or U.S. PVC fencing would start to crack or degrade in three to 12 years in Australia, but ours will last 50 years in the Australian climate,” he noted.
Co-owner Roger Beall, a plastics chemist, helped develop the UV-resistant formulation.
The equestrian industry has been particularly interested in the company's post and rail fencing because fences on racing courses and stud operations are constantly exposed to sunlight.
Hanslo and Beall established PFS Fencing in 2006. The company has manufacturing plants in Maroochydore, where it is based, and in Melbourne.