Global Flood Defence Systems (GFDS) is a specialist manufacturer and distributor of the most comprehensive range of flood defence systems in the world. With each solution specifically and expertly designed to reduce the impact of flooding worldwide, they also help to alleviate the associated financial and social cost.
The passion and enthusiasm of our founding members and partners is provoking widespread debate about the merits of passive flood defence systems – which require no human intervention, operate without power and are hugely cost effective when compared to its demountable system counterpart. Countries around the globe are now seriously taking heed of the considerable benefits that GFDS’s product ranges bring to the protection of the built environment in a changing climate.
GFDS’s range of passive products includes the versatile, dynamic and when inactive, invisible SCFB™ that can span any width and be installed along a waterway, in coastal defences, to surround low lying buildings and protect any flood vulnerable or flood critical infrastructure.
Frank Kelly, GFDS’s Managing Director came across the SCFB™ in 2008 when his passion for seeking out the very best in flood protection products brought him in contact with its inventor, Johann H.R. van den Noort of Holland.
Johann van den Noort has unrivalled expertise in the creation of water related devices which link to critical conditions. His commercial goal has been to make engineering 'state of the art' inventions his sole business activity. As he observed Frank Kelly going about his business of raising awareness for the SCFB™ amongst architects, engineers and other key influencers in the flood defence market, he became convinced that the UK was the right place to launch the product, subsequently giving GFDS exclusive global distribution rights in November 2010.
No less than a year later, GFDS obtained the sole right to distribute the FloodBreak™ barrier system globally outside of the United States. The FloodBreak™ barrier system is a proven passive solution having been used in a number of high profile projects in the USA for several years.
The system was developed by Lou Waters in June 2001 following Tropical Storm Allison which stalled over Houston, Texas and dropped 14.2” of rain in just 12 hours. Lou observed that whilst many demountable, stop log systems had been installed to protect vital areas, the water rose so fast that it became impossible to deploy them and extensive flooding ensued.
An eyewitness reported. “As soon as we secured the first log, the water began to rise above it. We tried a second, then a third. By the time we go to the fourth log, the water was above my thighs and I knew it was time to head for safety. I turned to see the water rushing against the barriers and spewing through the cracks like a fountain.... ”
GFDS’s strategy is built on the establishment of strategic partnerships, on-going innovation, product improvement and global reach.
Please contact us if you would like to know more about how you can be part of this global phenomenon.
Part of the GFDS Holdings group of companies, GFDS has a global remit to market their unique and highly innovative products.
"Our activities include the invention, innovation and development in the field of civil technical systems engineering. All of our devices are water related and emanated from previous and current critical conditions. Also, we focus on more efficient, environment friendly and cost effective solutions. In general, our inventions essentially serve the general interest of society."
Mr. Johann H.R. van den Noort, Director
Frank Kelly (left) and Johann H.R. van den Noort at the signing ceremony.