Design Innovations

‘Henry’ Vacuum Cleaner: Numatic
This iconic vacuum cleaner designed as a highly durable commercial product which has also made major sales in the domestic market. In the 30 years that ‘Henry’ has been in production, the product has constantly been developed to enhance performance, manufacturability and cost. Total volumes sold now exceed 7 million and every year has brought new records. Numatic manufactures a wide range of cleaning equipment and over 40% of total production is exported to markets throughout the world. All R&D is located in the UK at the factory in Somerset. The three main core materials used in Henry are high-impact PP, ABS, talc-filled PP and all are purchased from European suppliers. Virtually all moulding is carried out in-house but a small proportion is subcontracted to trade moulders located in the south west of England. A wide variety of mould tool suppliers have been involved over the years, the vast majority of which have been UK companies.



Bicycle Storage System: ‘Cycloc’
In towns and cities, where cycling is the answer to your transport needs, ‘Cycloc’ provides the practical solution to bike storage in your home. The innovative mouldings allow bicycles to be secured on a wall, optimising available space in offices and student accommodation. Each ‘Cycloc’ unit includes a spacer for use with wide handlebars – not required for road bikes. ‘Cycloc’s’ built-in storage space is ideal for keeping lights, gloves and other cycle accessories. ‘Cycloc’ can store bikes horizontally or vertically; even folding bikes can be accommodated. The mouldings are brightly coloured and exploit the design opportunities of the plastic materials chosen. Designed and manufactured in the UK, ‘Cycloc’ has matured into an injection moulded product for the mass market.




‘Automower 305’ & Flymo ‘Easi Glide’: Husqvarna UK Limited
Husqvarna UK Limited recently launched five very successful products which showcased British excellence in innovation. The Flymo ‘Easi Glide’ launched in 2011 is the latest edition to the Flymo hover range of light and easy to use lawn mowers, aimed predominantly at the UK market. The Husqvarna ‘Automower 305’, also launched in 2011, is the latest edition to the very successful and growing Husqvarna Robotic lawnmower range. Flymo ‘Easi Glide’ and Husqvarna ‘Automower 305’ are manufactured at Husqvarna UK In Newton Aycliffe.



The Birthing Baby: Brightworks Ltd and Limbs and Things Ltd
Winner of the Horners Award for Plastics Design and Innovation 2012. ‘The Birthing Baby’ is a new born baby mannequin which is having a growing role in the training of doctors, midwives and nurses and helps to prevent adverse outcomes in childbirth. Training using the Birthing Baby helps eliminate confusion in roles and responsibilities, provides better structure and coordination to the performance of key clinical tasks and improves organisation and support. The head, body and limbs are made from RTV Silicone rubber, ABS and water blown polyurethane foam. It includes several realistic, key anatomical features. The head is suitable to practice forceps and suction deliveries and the arms, legs and head articulate realistically. The flexibility, hardness, density and weight distribution of the skin, limbs and joints closely replicate those of a real baby. It was manufactured in the UK and since its launch in October 2011 has sold 260 units to an international market.