Milestones

Here are a collection of quotes out of old publications, which demarcate milestones in Derbigum's history.

The creation of Derbigum by Dr. Gorgati:

“In 1964, an Italian engineer, Dr. Romolo Gorgati, discovered that the properties of bitumen could be drastically changed if the waste product APP (Atactic Polypropylene) was added to it. The bitumen, when thoroughly mixed with APP, could reach a softening point of as high as
150°C – which in comparison with the then commonly used bitumen, with a softening point of
80 to 100°C, meant an enormous technological breakthrough.”

“The high midday temperatures in Italy would thus no longer pose any problems on roofs with this new bitumen blend.”

“It soon become apparent that Dr. Gorgati’s APP modified bitumen was extremely resistant
to thermal aging by UV rays - provided that the exact quantity of bitumen and APP were mixed in the correct proportions. This opened the doors for expansion, particularly in the Building Industry.”

“As a result of the favorable opportunities offered, Dr. Gorgati decided to commercialize his invention.”

“In the same year, 1964, he established Derbit Italy in Bologna.”

“The Italian factory was the first in the world to produce the now, world famous, “Torch-On’s: which are totally indispensable to all roof waterproofing contractors.”

Derbigum South Africa (Pty) Ltd, September 1989. Derbigum shows no signs of shrinkage after 25 years. South Africa.

Establishing of Derbigum:

“Derbigum has established an unrivalled reputation as the world’s leading waterproofing system since it was introduced in 1967.”

Derbigum South Africa (Pty) Ltd, October 1995. Technical Update. South Africa: Jimmy Thomas & Associates, No. 1.

First appearance in South Africa:

“It first made its appearance in South Africa in 1978 and was soon manufactured locally with minor modifications to its specification to ensure that the system would withstand the harsh climatic conditions.”

Derbigum South Africa (Pty) Ltd, October 1995. Technical Update. South Africa: Jimmy Thomas & Associates, No. 1.

Proven itself world wide:

“The material has proven itself in the harsh Middle East and North Africa climates, where
so many other materials have failed, that Derbigum factories were established in Iraq, Iran and Cyprus during the period 1971 to 1974. The U.S.A. started their large operation in Kansas City
in conjunction with 50 of the largest American waterproofing contractors and Owens-Corning Fibreglas Corporation in 1978.”

Derbigum South Africa (Pty) Ltd, First Edition 1985, Revised 1991. Waterproofing Manual as practiced in South Africa. South Africa.

“During September 1978 the first roll of Derbigum was produced by Derbit Belgium at Perwez.”

Derbigum South Africa (Pty) Ltd, September 1989. Derbigum shows no signs of shrinkage after 25 years. South Africa.

Establishing of Derbigum in South Africa:

“Derbigum South Africa was established in 1981, specializing in the production of high quality APP modified membranes and allied waterproofing products and systems.”

Old Derbigum website, no long available.

“It was first manufactured in South Africa in 1982 under licence to the Italian principals and
is today produced in a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Alrode, south of Johannesburg.”

Derbigum South Africa (Pty) Ltd, October 1995. Technical Update. South Africa: Jimmy Thomas & Associates, No. 1.

“The factory was established and commissioned in 1982.”

Old Derbigum website, no long available.

Agrement board certification:

“Quality Control at the factory and during application is in full compliance with the S.A. Agrement certificate No.7/172 which was awarded to Derbigum in September 1987.”

Derbigum South Africa (Pty) Ltd, September 1989. Derbigum shows no signs of shrinkage after 25 years. South Africa.