Larne inventor of 'wheelchair chassis' wins local award

by Q Radio News

A Larne engineer has won a local council award for creating a wheelchair chassis which allows users to travel over rough terrain.

Warren Rea picked up the prize as part of Mid and East Antrim's 'Start Up and Innovate Awards'.

Wheelchairs are fitted onto the chassis - which can then be used for beach access and forest paths.

Warren’s business, 'Pro22innovations', specialises in innovative engineering design and 3D printing solutions, and he has worked with global companies including Thales Air Defence, Bombardier, Terumo, P&O Irish ferries, Wrightbus and Camlin Technologies.

He worked alongside local Paralympian Claire Taggart to design, develop and test the chassis.

Warren was awarded £1,500 plus specialist business development mentoring support and PR. Runners-up received £250.

The runners up places went to Andrea and Zslot Bohar who produce the Green Fingers Family range of vegan granolas sold in biodegradable packaging and Deborah Fitzsimmons who launched an online learning environment Homeschool on Demand after the introduction of lockdown earlier this year.

Warren said he was delighted to win.

He said: “Winning this award will enable us to progress towards getting the product onto the market and to those in the disability community who are faced with so many challenges with regards to enjoying the freedom we all take for granted. This all-terrain power wheelchair will open up a whole new world for them and improve on their quality of life."

Mayor Peter Johnston said: “I was delighted to announce Warren as the winner of Council’s Start-Up and Innovate competition. To see such a creative concept for improving access for wheelchair users highlights the true spirit of entrepreneurship which exists in the borough, across all levels of business.

“There has never been a more important time for businesses to be able to adapt and develop ways of remaining resilient to change and planning for the future as we continue to navigate our way through the Coronavirus pandemic."