Malaga company ARBOTECH Pty Ltd wins grant to help it develop special saw

17/8/99
A Malaga company, Arbortech Pty Ltd, has been awarded a $50,000 State Government grant to develop a saw that will cut through hard pavement but not through soft human tissue.
Arbortech was one of nine companies to receive Western Australian Innovation Support Scheme (WAISS) grants totalling almost $440,000, announced today by Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan.
"Arbortech's patented and proven unique technology is to be adapted to the development of a new Hammersaw which could be operated on streets and footpaths with enhanced safety to the operators and the public," Mr Cowan said.
"The company's revolutionary impact cutting action is already in commercial production in a range of products and the proposal is to extend the range with a development program costing about $145,000.
"If developed successfully, the Hammersaw will be cheaper to make and operate and easier to use than existing devices.
"It will use a percussive action which is effective on hard materials such as stone, concrete and bitumen but won't cut soft materials."
Mr Cowan said Arbortech's proposal was just the kind of project WAISS grants were designed to assist.
"It could bring economic and employment benefits to Western Australia and help to enhance our reputation for being a clever and inventive State," he said.
"We wish them the best of luck and hope that the Government's WAISS grant will help them succeed."
Since 1993, WAISS grants totalling $3,821,906 have helped 83 small WA companies to develop new products and processes.
For this latest round of grants there were 45 applicants, all subjected to rigorous evaluation by an independent advisory panel of six people experienced in turning good ideas into commercial products.
Mr Cowan said the nine projects funded showed great initiative and creativity, with an astonishing range of ideas - from a detector capable of finding non-metallic land mines, to an underwater cage that could enable the aquaculture industry to expand from sheltered waters out into the open ocean.
Two rounds of WAISS grants are awarded each year to help offset the risks involved in research. Winners are required to complete their research in 12 months and meet agreed targets along the way.
Applicants must fund at least half their costs and the maximum grant is $50,000.

Information on WAISS is available from the Business Assistance Gateway at the Department of Commerce and Trade (08) 9481 2525, or Country freecall 1800 199 251.