Plans for the UK launch of an innovative and versatile take on the old fashioned wheelbarrow will take on an added boost following its success in the international Red Dot Design Awards.
Almost 4,500 new products from 60 countries entered the competition, and the Red Dot Design Award: Product Design 2011 has been scooped by the RealBarrow from Keter.
“Quite simply, the RealBarrow moves the whole concept of wheelbarrows into the 21st century,” says Craig Saul, UK Marketing Manager for the Halesowen based Keter. “It is the first to combine the classic wheelbarrow position with an L-shaped "bulldozer" shovel. So, you can use it in the traditional way, or stand it on its end for use as a sack trolley for moving heavy items or - with its metal edge - as an extra-large dustpan into which leaves, rubbish, soil and other debris can be brushed.”
It weighs just 6kg (13.2 lbs) but can accommodate a 100kg (220 lbs) load. Being made of tough moulded polypropylene, the RealBarrow can safely carry liquid loads of up to 100 litres (26.4 gal) too.
“The ergonomically designed moulded handles ensure that transporting even the heaviest load is easy and comfortable. The heavy-duty 9” rubberised in-board wheels ensure easy manoeuvring in even heavy terrain.
“Another feature is the series of built-in loop-holes on either side of the barrow so that bungee cords can be hooked in to secure larger or unwieldy loads” added Craig.
The initiator of the Red Dot Award and a former president of Icsid (the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design), Peter Zec said: ““As always, our jury cast a very careful eye over the products submitted. Design quality has asserted itself clearly in the judging process, with genuine and new creative solutions also being rewarded. Both of these criteria are not just yardsticks for good design, but also for the potential for success on the market.”
The recent award marks the second year in a row that Keter has received the “red dot” seal of quality for high design. It was also successful in 2010 with the innovative Cool Bar, which is a unique combination of drinks table and cooler in a single product.