Innovative Plumbridge firm in line for major industry accolades
A PLUMBRIDGE company which is breaking new ground for innovation in the recycling industry is being
lined up for a number of prestigious industry awards.
Waste Systems Ltd, the brainchild of local entrepreneur Nishi Ward, design, manufacture and supply turnkey systems and stand-alone machinery for the waste separation and recycling industries.
After installing their ‘Max Xtract’ systems in France, Scotland and Finland, the local firm have already lifted the Exporter of the Year accolade.
However it is within the burgeoning recycling sector that Waste System’s innovation is now attracting serious
recognition.
After being announced as a finalist in the Inter-TradeIreland Innovation Awards 2012 competition just last week, this week it has been revealed that Waste Systems will also go head-to-head with firms from across the island to compete for the prestigious all-island Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards.
Starting his company in the middle of a recession, Plumbridge native Nishi Ward left behind an excellent position with Finlays to sail his own ship amidst uncertain markets.
Travelling the world as Finlay’s export manager, he noticed the potential for massive growth in the sector and the evident gap in innovation in this part of the world.
Now the company’s innovative approach to waste recycling is receiving industry recognition at the highest level in Ireland.
The company have just been selected for the finals of Ulster Bank’s all-island business achievers competition by winning the ‘innovation and emerging technology’ category in the Ulster heats.
INNOVATION
It came after the Plumbridge firm were shortlisted in the green-tech innovation category of the Inter-TradeIreland Innovation Awards 2012 just last week.
Waste Systems will compete with two other companies across the island of Ireland for the prestigious category title.
The local company clearly impressed judges Ian Jordan of Ulster Bank, Liam Nellis of InterTradeIreland, Donal Durkan of Invest Northern Ireland, Sam McIlveen of the Belfast Telegraph and Grainne Kelly owner of BubbleBum UK, which picked up the ‘Best Business Start-Up’ category last year.
Congratulating Mr Ward, Ian Jordan said, “There were some 400 entries to the awards this year, which in itself is encouraging. Even more pleasing is the high quality of many of the entries, including a large number of start-up and internationally-focused companies.
“There were however a number of Ulster businesses that stood out for particular recognition and we are delighted to present these eight companies with their awards today.
“We also wish them the very best of luck in the all island stage of the scheme.”
An independent panel of judges have also selected Waste Systems as one of 17 companies throughout Ireland competing for the overall ‘Innovation of the Year’ award and a communications and advertising package from the Irish Times worth €150,000. As a finalist the company have already received a €10,000 communications package.
Source: ulsterherald.com
