The ever-increasing number of ram raids across New Zealand has inspired a Waikato company to develop an innovative solution to help New Zealand businesses guard against the criminal activity.
Until now, cutting-edge technology company Qorox, has been working on transforming the construction industry with 3D printed technology solutions, providing a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional construction methods.
Managing director Wafaey Swelim says the innovative technology could be applied across a number of different applications, and the rise in ram raids inspired the company to think outside the box, creating a custom solution for retailers.
Traditionally, bollards have been used to control vehicle access and prevent ram raids on buildings and store fronts. However, getting them installed can be a huge cost and inconvenience to retailers and pedestrians, and can incur potential damage to underground power cables and pipes.
“We’ve approached bollards by moving away from a single-purpose structure and looking at how we can integrate it into the surrounding environment in an interactive way,” Swelim says.
“Our protective barriers come in a number of varieties, including planter boxes, seating and other street furniture, which can be custom-designed and fabricated off-site.
“This cuts down on the cost and time for installation, and frustration for pedestrians, business owners and councils alike.
“We recently partnered with speciality food retailer and wholesaler Vetro Mediterranean Foods to create four custom-textured planter boxes for their store front on Rostrevor Street in Hamilton’s CBD.”
Store owner Anna Greentree says the solution had given them peace of mind at a time when retailers were worried about the increasing disruption.
“Partnering with Qorox has been great. They’ve created the perfect alternative to ugly concrete bollards, and we were able to custom-design the look of the planter boxes, adding in texture and getting them installed in no time.
“We’ve installed the concrete planter boxes in front of our larger windows and at the main entrance, which has given us a huge amount of safety and security but doesn’t detract from the store front which was key for us,” Greentree says.
Qorox says one of the key advantages of 3D-printed concrete is its ability to be customised to the specific needs of any location.
Designed to unique shapes, sizes, colours and patterns, Qorox protective barriers can blend in with the surrounding architecture or become a feature of their own.
Swelim says the technology allows the protective barriers to be installed without the need for excavation on the footpaths, forecourts or car parks, making them suitable for any store front requirements.
Learn more about the innovative technology at www.qorox.co.nz.
