Precision Dippings, the company that put the rubber into the original Stretch Armstrong toy has scooped a top manufacturing innovation award after creating a waterproof plaster cast protector.
Bloccs protectors has seen the Bristol-based family-run firm take home the Manufacturing Innovation Award at the 2014 Made in the South West award ceremony and more recently being shortlisted for the Guardian Small Business Trade Mission to the US.
Doctors warn that fracture patients who get their injuries wet in the shower, bath or swimming pool risk weakening their casts and developing skin infections. Inspired by the injury of a family member, the team at Precision Dippings developed Bloccs – reusable, 100% waterproof rubber protectors which can be worn over arm or leg casts to allow people to shower, swim or bathe.
Kate Richards, a director of Precision Dippings commented: “Given the impressive shortlist for these awards, we’re very proud to have won and been recognised for what we do.”
Bloccs was among eight winners at the 2014 Made in the South West awards ceremony, an occasion celebrating the region’s manufacturing excellence, and potential as a global manufacturing base. Judges praised Precision Dippings’ entry for Bloccs as a great example of diversification in the sector.
Richards added: “Bloccs are a safer alternative to taping a carrier bag to a limb, balancing on one leg in the shower or attempting to wash with only one hand. These are all things our customers tell us they had to do before finding out about these products.”
Earlier this year, Precision Dippings was awarded the Innovator of the Year award at the Bristol Post Awards, in recognition for the innovation behind its Bloccs waterproof protectors. Bloccs protectors slip over injured arm and leg casts like a glove and fit children and adults of all shapes and sizes.
