The award recognises exceptionally high levels of innovation and collaboration between a company, a graduate and an academic as part of InterTradeIreland’s FUSION programme.
InterTradeIreland is the cross-border body that supports SMEs with funding, information and advice and helps businesses to identify and develop trade and business opportunities across the island.
FUSION, its technology transfer and innovation programme, partners companies north and south with a third-level institution and provides them with the specialist expertise of a high calibre graduate, who works directly in the organisation, to deliver a new product or process improvement project.
Alongside Toomebridge-based Copper Industries, the companies acknowledged included Novegen Ltd, Dublin; Complete Laboratory Solutions, Galway; Aspira Ltd from Cork and Tyrone Fabrication, Ballygawley.
Between them, the five FUSION Exemplar companies have reported sales of more than £1.5million and made savings of over £65,000 during their FUSION projects, with projected sales of upwards of £5.75million and savings of £466,000, over the next three years.
Copper Industries has already made a name for itself as a company that thrives on innovation, as showcased by the manufacturer’s market-leading range of hot water cylinders, calorifiers and combination units.
Through FUSION, Copper Industries employed graduate, Anthony O’Connor, and benefitted from the services and support of Dundalk Institute of Technology. The collaboration enabled the design and development of a prototype, electrically heated cylinder with a built-in control system. This product is now aimed at the domestic market, particularly where oil -fired central heating is not suitable.
Speaking about all the successful Exemplar companies, Margaret Hearty, Director of programmes and services for InterTradeIreland, said, “These ambitious SMEs are a testament of what can be achieved through enterprise and innovation and North-South collaboration. It is important that we recognise their success, which we hope, in turn, will encourage other SMEs to participate in the FUSION Programme, to improve their productivity, increase their revenue potential and to create real jobs for graduates. I am delighted to congratulate all of our Exemplars on their achievements and I wish them every success in the future.”
The award is the latest example of Copper Industries’ commitment to excellence. From domestic hot water cylinders through to industrial buffer tanks and calorifiers, all the cylinders are manufactured locally by Copper Industries to meet the highest standards.
For further information on InterTradeIreland and the business supports available, visit www.intertradeireland.com and for information on Copper Industries Ltd, telephone (NI) 028 7965 9736 or (RoI) 048 7965 9736 or visit www.copperindustries.co.uk
