Dulux and Dry Living win at first Technology Valley Awards

Dulux and Dry Living win at first Technology Valley Awards

Prime Minister John Key tonight awarded Lower Hutt companies Dulux New Zealand and Dry Living Limited inaugural Technology Valley Awards.

The winners were announced at an industry reception at Callaghan Innovation, which was part of the first Hutt STEMM Festival.

Dulux New Zealand won the Established Technology Valley Business category.
Dry Living Limited won the Emerging Technology Valley Business category.

Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace says, “It is wonderful to recognise some of the excellence in the science, technology and manufacturing sectors we have here in Lower Hutt.

“These awards are part of a wider initiative to raise the profile of these industries and we look forward to many more years and celebrating many more winners.”

Judges David Miller, Lapo Ancillotti and Professor Kate McGrath praised both winners for the application of technology and innovation in their businesses.

Dulux New Zealand prides itself on protecting and beautifying the places and spaces New Zealanders live and work and works hard at their commitment to environmental responsibility.

The Dulux laboratories are constantly producing new variations, including anti-mould and water based paints that perform as well as solvent-based and are actively looking to increase their specialty coatings for the infrastructure and engineering markets.

They’re also adding value to timber, one of New Zealand’s primary industry outputs by producing and applying primers in-factory to increase the margin of these exported products.

Dry Living Limited began when founder Bevan Hockly wanted a warmer, dryer home heating system for his infant son. He developed a solution for home ventilation that uses fresh air to eliminate damp and cold, which has gone on to warm homes and benefit children suffering from asthma and other symptoms of a cold and damp environment.

Dry Living Limited also operates a programme called Project 411, where for every 41 units sold, Dry Living installs a brand new system, for free, into the home of someone who couldn’t otherwise afford it.

Both businesses received a trophy and certificate as winners of the inaugural Technology Valley Awards.

The intention is for the Awards programme to develop, with more categories being added next year.

ENDS

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