Boosting business to business innovation: Lynch Windows and APS collaborate with NWRC on InterTradeIreland partnership project

By Aoife Curran

North West Regional College (NWRC) Business Support Centre (BSC) has announced details of a new cross-border project with Buncrana-based window supplier and manufacturing company, Lynch Windows, and Lisburn stock-holding company, APS.

The 1.5 year project funded by InterTradeIreland is aiming to develop a new 60-minute fire rated aluminium window/curtain wall system that can be manufactured by APS and installed by Lynch Windows.

Philip Devlin, NWRC Product Design Centre Manager explained: ‘’We’re delighted to support the partnership of Lynch Windows and APS on this innovative project by InterTradeIreland. We first met with the two companies, discussed our plans for the project and engaged with InterTradeIreland Innovation Boost Advisor, Niall O’Somachain, to see if this was viable. After submitting an expression of interest, we proceeded with the application process and were thrilled to hear the application was successful and the project supported.

‘’At our state-of-the-art £500k Product Design Centre in Greystone, Limavady, we will provide expertise in 3D CAD design, incorporating FEA stress analysis and thermal simulations to refine the designs to meet 60 minute fire ratings. We will also support with the production of 3D rapid prototyped parts that will be used as part of the new product development process to assess fitting of designed parts and ensure design for manufacture and assembly is optimised. Additionally we will support in attainment of the fire safety standards.’’

Gavin Cullen, General Manager at Lynch Windows, said: ‘’We have identified an opportunity to manufacture a 60 minute fire rated product that we can utilize as part of our sales and installation process as well as further cementing our position as an innovative company. It will enable us to control costs, lead team and most importantly provide us with a superior product that is not already on the market which gives us a competitive edge over other companies, particularly within the corporate market. We’re excited to be partnering with NWRC and InterTradeIreland on this project and we look forward to working together with APS and further cementing our 20 year working relationship.’’

Alan Denver, Director at Aluminium and Plastics Systems, added: ‘’We look forward to partnering with Lynch Windows, NWRC and InterTradeIreland on this innovative project which will enable us to create novel aluminium extrusion designs and profiles that can be added to our product line, providing us with an opportunity to grow our market share in the UK and Ireland as well as an increased potential to export this product outside the UK and Ireland.’’

Janet Toal, Operations Manager of Innovation Programmes at InterTradeIreland, said: “Innovation is fundamental for every business. Having worked with SMEs across the island, InterTradeIreland recognises the importance of open innovation and through Innovation Boost, we support businesses who are ready to implement change through collaborative sharing of expertise and skills.  The programme is open to applications and I would encourage any small business that may be interested to get in touch.”

For more information about how NWRC’s Business Support Centre can help your business email businesssupport@nwrc.ac.uk or to find out more about the InterTradeIreland Innovation Boost programme visit https://intertradeireland.com/innovation/innovation-boost

Lynch Windows and APS collaborate with NWRC Product Design Centre on InterTradeIreland partnership project
(L-R) Alan Denver, Director at Aluminium and Plastics Systems and Gavin Cullen, General Manager at Lynch Windows, pictured with NWRC Product Design Centre Manager, Philip Devlin, at the launch of the project at the Colleges Greystone Campus in Limavady.