Whanganui's Pacific Helmets collects third top design award

F15 Structural Fire fighting Helmet by Pacific Helmets wins award. Photo/ supplied

Whanganui's Pacific Helmets are gaining global credit for their ground-breaking fire helmet.

Last Friday October 6, for the third year running the design team won the Product Silver Pin at the annual Best Design Awards held in Auckland.

Pacific Helmet research and development manager, Sam Milsom, said it was only fire helmet in the world that allowed the firefighter to put his face mask down completely over his breathing apparatus.

"It's a great prize and we are really proud of it... a great step in the right direction as far as innovation goes," he said.

Mr Milson said it took more than three years to complete the design and make and the helmets went on the market earlier this year.

"We are currently selling them in Australia and hope to sell them in New Zealand soon."

Mr Milson attended the event with business development director Grant Bennett; industrial designer Liam Dewhurst; and visual design and marketing Emma Dewhurst.

More than 1000 people gathered at the awards night, representing companies from Australia, Turkey, China and Japan.

Mr Milson said it was great to be acknowledged by their New Zealand design and manufacturing peers as a leading company for innovation and development.

"You are up there with the likes of Fisher and Paykel, Emirates Team New Zealand ... the big headers really... so it's great to make Whanganui proud."

Designers Institute CEO, Cathy Veninga, said design was a key way to help accelerate growth for a business, a city and a country.

"This year's winners show that there is confidence in our design community and that clients are using design to positive effect."

Photo/ supplied