DipFast wins Technical Innovation Award at Royal Highland Show

DipFast wins Technical Innovation Award at Royal Highland Show

Posted On: 5 August 2019

Awarded for outstanding technical achievement in the field of agricultural machinery and technology

‘DipFast’, our innovative sheep showering unit developed in partnership with Oran Oak Engineering has received a Silver Technical Innovation Award at this year’s Royal Highland Show. The awards, Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland’s (RHASS) most longstanding industry accolades sponsored by Hillhouse Quarry Group, showcase and reward innovation and development within the agricultural sector and are a highly respected award for manufacturers, distributors, providers and inventors. The awards recognise outstanding technical achievement in the field of agricultural machinery and technology.

The DipFast product, one of our bespoke innovative solutions, which is designed for the treatment and control of ecto-parasites on sheep, is manufactured by Oran Oak Engineering, a family-run business established by Mark Kelly and his three sons Patrick, Aidan and Colm. The system allows for one-person operation, thus reducing labour, and there is minimal contact with the sheep and dip held within. Oran Oak Engineering offer static and mobile versions of the DipFast unit, which both provide low ramp access for the sheep, allowing for easy entrance and exit from the unit.

Having went through an extensive period of Research & Development before being released on the market, the DipFast product has been well-received by farmers. The DipFast product has undergone independent testing by the Northern Ireland based Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). This successful research project provided analysis on the efficiency, environmental, operator and animal welfare aspects of the product. Oran Oak Engineering Director, Mark Kelly is delighted that the technology has now been recognised through these awards.

Mark said “This is a brilliant achievement to have DipFast recognised as one of the top innovative products at this year’s Royal Highland Show. To receive this award alongside some of the top agri machinery manufacturers in the world is wonderful. Our aim was to design and manufacture an effective machine, which was easy to use, safe for the user, animal and environment, while also saving the farmer time. I believe we have achieved that with our DipFast sheep showing unit.”

The Royal Highland Show, one of Scotland’s most iconic events, in its 179^th year witnessed the participation of 1000 exhibitors. The RHASS Technical Innovation Awards has a historic reputation for recognising and rewarding excellence.

RHASS Chief Steward of Technical Innovation, Christopher Shepherd said: “As part of our Royal Charter, at RHASS we support and encourage innovation within the agri and rural industry as a key way to ensuring the future of the sector in Scotland.”

“Awarding manufacturers, distributors, providers and inventors, the Technical Innovation Awards are a highly influential accolade providing a respected stage to promote new ideas and acknowledge the work and commitment necessary to develop new products. We’d like to extend a huge congratulations to Oran Oak Engineering on their outstanding achievement.”

DipFast was previously recognised as Northern Ireland’s top Agri-Science Innovation at the prestigious Catalyst Inc INVENT Awards 2016.

Bespoke Innovative Solutions from Harlequin

As a leading manufacturer of polyethylene storage tanks and systems, Harlequin also develops a range of innovative solutions for bespoke customer needs in a range of industries. This includes solutions for energy, heating, water and agribusinesses.

To find out more about our bespoke solutions, contact our team on 028 9261 1077 or email info@harlequin-mfg.com.