A hassle-free painting system, a steel fence that requires no annual treatment or repairs, and a universal glue that can be used instead of nails were among the winners of the 2019 Innovation Awards, organised by Hardware Association Ireland, the national representative body for over 370 hardware and DIY retailers, builders’ merchants, and manufacturers and distributors across Ireland. The awards celebrate the latest new products and developments in the sector.
Hightower Painting Products Ltd. were awarded the inaugural Best New Irish Product award, for their Hightower Painting System, a unique tripod and roller bucket system that allows for hassle-free painting at ground level and at height. The Overall Product Winner was Elite Fence for their Kilally Fence, a maintenance-free colour-coated steel fence that requires no annual paint treatments or repairs.
Henkel Ltd. scooped the Hardware/DIY award for their Click and Fix product, a universal glue that can be used in place of nails with no additional tools required, and is suitable for use both indoors and outside, while DS Supplies Ltd. received the Build award for their Adjustable Hole Cutter that also acts as a heavy-duty dust collector.
McLoughlins RS took the Home award for their Minky M Cloth Non-Scratch Anti-Bacterial Cleaning Pad, which allows for effective and powerful scrubbing, making light work of burnt-on stains and marks. Each pad is treated with long-lasting anti-bacterial protection.
Recent years have seen hardware and builders’ merchants broaden their offerings by complementing traditional hardware and building materials with improved and additional products.
The judging panel was chaired by award-winning architect Hugh Wallace, with entrants competing in a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style format.
The full list of winners:
Sean Moran, President of Hardware Association Ireland, said: “Recent years have seen hardware and builders’ merchants broaden their offerings by complementing traditional hardware and building materials with improved and additional products.
“New products and innovative ideas are essential to the health of any sector and ours is no different. Entry standards for the Innovation Awards were higher than ever before, and we’re proud to be able to showcase the latest developments in new products and services.”
Hardware Association Ireland represents over 370 members at all levels of the supply chain, from national and international companies, to multi-branch retail chains and smaller independent hardware businesses. The sector generates employment of 19,000 persons, and contributes nearly €377m in tax to the Irish economy each year.
Hardware Association Ireland produces an award-winning bi-monthly magazine called The Hardware Journal and runs the biennial Hardware Show.
