CO Derry manufacturer Bloc Blinds is planning to significantly invest in facilities in Northern Ireland and the USA on the back of demand for an innovative new child-safe product launched last year.
The Magherafelt-based firm’s ‘Bloc Wand’ is promoted at avoiding the dangers of loose cords or chains on window blinds.
Sales for the product have rocketed following new industry rules introduced in Canada during 2021, banning both corded and chained blinds.
Bloc Blinds said sales to Canada and the US are up 65 per cent over the past 12 months, with millions of Bloc Wands now sold.
While UK and EU legislators have yet to follow Canada, safety campaigners are continuing to lobby for change.
The south Derry manufacturer said in order to meet the growing demand, and in preparation for future legal changes regarding blind safety, it will expand its ‘Bloc Wand’ business, with significant investment in new facilities at home and in the US.
Company founder and managing director Cormac Diamond said: “Double digit sales growth in Canada and the US are proof of the potential of this innovative product, designed by our talented engineers.
“As regulations are potentially aligned in other countries and jurisdictions, we are confident that the market for 'Wands' will expand dramatically.
“Expansion in the US has been one of Bloc’s key growth strategies and the success of the Wand is central to this, as it will act as a springboard for our latest robotic blind manufacturing base in America.”
