13 companies received Sequoia New Product Awards at AWFS Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV — AWFS Sequoia Awards for environmental achievement, innovative technology, ergonomics, productivity and safety were presented to 13 companies at the 2005 “AWFS Las Vegas” Industry Awards Dinner Thursday evening, July 28, 2005 at the Las Vegas Hilton.

A total of 86 products competed for the awards and were very visible to attendees in the highly-traveled New Products Showcase at Fair entrance. The Sequoia Awards, originally only given for Environmental Achievement, were expanded in 2005 to include additional categories of Ergonomics/Safety, Product Innovation and Productivity.

A group of 13 woodworkers, with extensive industry background and knowledge served as judges. They are representative of many of the attendees at the Fair who have the final say or heavily persuade the buying decision of the types of products they are reviewing. Judging was based on a point system for quality, production impact, practicality, innovation and user-friendliness. Scott Phillips, host of the PBS series American Woodshop, served as emcee for the awards ceremony, and announced the Sequoia Award winners. Presenting the top finalists first, he then quoted from the judges about some particular aspect of the product that made it stand out. “These new products demonstrate the spirit of innovation and creativity in our industry,” remarked Scott, acknowledging all the companies who submitted new product awards.

Finalists are listed below with winning companies asterisked. Quotes are from comments by judges:

Leadership in Product Innovation – Hardware:
DH Casters International for the Powder Coating Casters Gibraltar for the Flip-N- Fold Ruca USA Corporation for the Silence Hinge “Great design and it adds a whole new concept to a tried and true hinge.”

www.awfs.org
WOODWEB Industry News, 8/29/05