The Furniture Industry Research Association – FIRA – has awarded its Innovation Award to a new fixing concept called Space-Plug, which is said to act as an alternative to fixing brackets.
Designed and patented by former kitchen fitter Cliff Petit, Space-Plug consists of a small, lightweight plastic spacer with a threaded telescopic body, which allows a fixing to be made from the internal front of a solid back kitchen unit.
Petit says using Space Plugs allows fitters to make fewer fixing points and use less pieces of hardware. He adds: “There is also no need to mark, you can fix while the unit is in the exact place and you will never need to move a unit. Overall it will allow a better fit, it takes less time and is simple to use.”
FIRA chief operating officer Phil Reynolds said: “Our experts were impressed with Space-Plug for its ease-of-use and as an alternative to fixing brackets at an angle. We are pleased to present the Innovation Award to Space-Plug and look forward to seeing its success within the industry.”