Eva-Tec, based in Balbriggan, is celebrating after winning an award that recognises its new product range, created in partnership with Queen’s University in Belfast.
The family owned business, in collaboration with Queen’s University, has designed a new sustainable adhesive range. This has a wide application for a number of industries globally, including the paper and board market as well as the food and beverage sectors.
In recognition of its achievement, Eva-Tec has been awarded Exemplar Status by InterTradeIreland. It is one of only six businesses to be recognised in this category across the island of Ireland.
The firm took part in InterTradeIreland’s Innovation Boost programme – which supports business development and innovation by matching companies with third level institutions and graduates. InterTradeIreland also provides funding to the businesses to help pay the graduate, who works directly with the firm to deliver new products or improve processes.
Managing Director, Joe English says, “We found the Innovation Boost programme to be very beneficial. It was great to be able to employ a specialist research and development chemist graduate to work on a specific goal. I would recommend contacting InterTradeIreland if you are keen to help your business innovate.”
Janet Toal, Innovation Manager at InterTradeIreland comments, “This is a company with its eye firmly on the future. It is open to new products and processes. This is what the Innovation Boost programme is about - giving firms the tools to boost their business through innovative collaboration. The partnership between Eva-Tec, and Queen’s University has made a real difference. We’re delighted to recognise the firm with Exemplar status.”
Mark Billham from Queen’s University adds, “This is a great example of what can happen when business and academia work together. From my point of view, collaboration is crucial because a team of experts with a broad range of knowledge is able to arrive at solutions to complex problems much more quickly. From a business point of view, working with a University means you can gain valuable knowledge and also upskill new and existing staff.”
Joe English agrees, “There was a lot of work, but the benefits have been considerable. In fact, we will continue to work with Queen’s University on other opportunities to continue this journey of learning and collaboration.”
For further information on InterTradeIreland and the business supports available, please visit www.intertradeireland.com
You can watch a video about Eva-Tec and Innovation Boost here.
