Rock Fall are proud to announce that we were recognised for the second year in a row with an award at the Director-E Professional Clothing Awards. The PCAs have a reputation as being one of the toughest and most competitive awards ceremonies in the Sector.
Held at the Riverside Park Plaza opposite the Thames in London, the awards brought together the leaders of the Professional Clothing Industry, with representation from the likes of Air Canada, Virgin Trains, the Home Office and John Lewis in attendance.
Rock Fall were honoured to successfully defend the Innovation in Footwear category from the 2017 ceremony, winning for the RF250 Rhodium Chemical Resistant Boot last year.
This year, Rock Fall were awarded the category for their brand new Electrical Hazard range against 9 other footwear brands from around the world.
The new range is the first footwear in the world to be certified against European, American and Australian standards. This means they meet International Electrical Hazard standards to 18kV as well as being CE marked for the European marketplace. The core styles, RF800 PowerMax and RF900 Power were developed in partnership with Western Power Distribution.
Western Power Distribution were looking for a range of products that met the Electrical Hazard protection, reduced overall costs with enhanced specification and which enabled them to make bespoke design choices. Large power and transmission companies around the world are taking note with significant sales in the Australian and New Zealand markets within the first 6 months.
During the development cycle, several key innovations were brought to the industry which include:
- First styles to be certified to all 3 standards and first to be ASTM certified and CE marked, making them legally compliant in the European market.
- Biggest collaboration with an end-user to develop a product.
- New visual safety design indicators including colour.
- Brand new outsole mould compatible with climbing irons.
- Widespread use of a Sympatex non E-PTFE waterproof membrane which has much less environmental impact than leading competitors.
- Ortholite footbeds that are commonly used by major sports brands
Reflecting, the Rock Fall Senior Management Team said:
We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised for a second year running in this hugely important category. To say we are excited by this range is an understatement and for it to be impartially recognised in such a prestigious way is so pleasing. We want to pass on our humble thanks to Western Power Distribution, their support for the innovation has made the R&D and subsequent mass production viable. Once again the awards were expertly arranged, and a thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all from Rock Fall.
