Delta Trading Ireland Ltd
Chief Executive, Charles Woods, Portadown


The Benefits:
Improving the performance of a new, collapsible fire escape ladder has enabled Delta Trading to successfully pursue its diversification strategy. It has secured a number of orders for the new product in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. The company also has established an agent in England through which they sell the fire escape ladder. This increase in sales has resulted in a Net Present Value* of £110,000 for Delta Trading.

The Company:
Delta Trading Ireland Ltd was established by Charles and Margaret Woods in 1997 and is based in Carn Industrial Estate Portadown. The company sells conservatories and roofs to trade outlets throughout Ireland and also manufactures coloured glass using a computerised resin system.

The Project:
In a move to diversify its operations, the company purchased the design for a novel collapsible fire escape ladder which, when installed, has the appearance of a rainwater pipe but when needed in an emergency opens out into a robust ladder capable of safely carrying several people. The ladder is held in its closed (drain pipe) position by a nylon cover cap fitted to the top of the ladder. When this cap is removed the ladder opens out into a fully functional fire escape ladder. A manufacturing operation was established at the Carn Factory and to separate the fire escape ladder manufacturing activities, a new company Fire Escapes Ireland was established. Although its specification was fully satisfactory, the company wanted to improve the performance of the nylon cover cap. Charles wanted to ensure that it could be easily removed by a frail person in an emergency and at the same time retain or improve the security aspects of the ladder.

Making it Happen:

  • MTP
  • Invest NI - Innovation Credit
  • Invest NI - Design Development Programme
  • Queen's university
  • Paradigm Product Development

An MTP Field Officer organised a visit with Delta Trading to discuss the services available from MTP. The Field Officer brought the project forward with Paradigm Product Development undertaking the design work and Queen’s University producing prototypes using their rapid prototyping technology. The company also used the services of the Invest NI Design Development Programme and was able to financially support the project using the Innovation Credit, which is funded by Invest Northern Ireland administered by MTP.

The Result...
The improved cap fully meets the requirements and specifications given to the designers. Indeed there was an unexpected bonus from the work carried out. As the new design incorporated a section which attached to the top of ladder, this has the effect of not only giving the cap a smoother operation but also gives a rounded finish to the top which prevents potential exposure to sharp edges. This attention to detail was a feature of the entire project.

Charles Woods: “I was delighted by the support given by MTP, and the quality of the work carried out by Paradigm. We know that the improved design will result in increased turnover for the company.”