Product category:
Design and Development Consultancy
News Release from: Polymer Cluster | Subject: Rolla Washa
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 15 June 2007
Device eases paint roller cleaning
Washa sought the aid of the Polymer Cluster in developing and testing its Rolla Washa.
Washa and the Polymer Cluster have released a device for cleaning paint rollers that saves up to 85% on water and 70% on time compared with conventional methods Rollers are often the tool of choice for painters and decorators to paint walls and ceilings quickly
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 4 Apr 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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However, maintaining the quality and durability of paint rollers means taking the time to keep them in good condition - thorough washing after use.
The new Rolla Washa product can save time and money on this chore, quickly cleaning and drying multiple-sized paint rollers in a lightweight, portable, self-cleaning and environmentally-friendly device, powered solely by mains water pressure.
"Rolla Washa is sure to have a big impact on professional painters and decorators, with spin-off opportunities into the domestic DIY market" says Brett Smart, Washa's Managing Director.
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"It's designed to save users time, effort and water; the ideal solution to one of the worst aspects of a rewarding job".
"The product will also attract enhanced capital allowances, offering further cost savings to end users".
Together with Rolla Washa's inventor, Research and Development Director John Ford, Brett sought help from the Polymer Cluster, using its expertise in advanced tooling techniques at the University of Wolverhampton's Innovative Product Development Centre to develop and test a working prototype.
Following modifications and trials on a first set of components, a final sample product was made ready for demonstrations to potential customers and possible partners in the USA and Europe.
Tests are currently underway in conjunction with two of Europe's leading paint manufacturers and Washa is set to expand operations by developing a further two products aimed at the painting and decorating sector.
"This is a scaleable business opportunity with global environmental implications", says Brett.
"There isn't another product on the market like the Rolla Washa and it will be manufactured in the West Midlands".
"We are in the final stages of receiving water regulation compliance and, thanks to the Polymer Cluster and its associate, the Manufacturing Advisory Service, we have been able to take the product from concept through to production - none of this would have been possible without their support".
"We are delighted to say that we are now in a position to value the business at GBP 2.5 million".
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Polymer Cluster is a Wolverhampton Telford Technology Corridor project and is based on the University of Wolverhampton's Telford campus.
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