The Flowcrete Beam and Block Decking company was started by Fred Cornali and his son Michael. Fred wanted to build a successful business for his son to carry on.
Fred's idea of the beam and block decking developed during his employment with a companny called Tilebeam Africa in 1950.
The system originated from decking with timber and steel plates, placing the corobrick hollow pots in rows with 150mm longitudinal gaps.
Re-inforcing was then placed in these gaps, and the concrete poured to cover the terracotta block.
The idea was to make a light-weight deep slab for extra strength.

Times were tough when Fred and his son started the company with ni money and only a station wagon at their disposal.
They landed their first contract, asking for a deposit from the client to fund the initial costs.

Since then Flowcrete has grown into a fair sized company, with it's own premises in Queensmead Industrial Park, KZN.