nir-vana innovation network

The Danish company initiated in 2014 the development of their current products by observing the many unnecessary pulls, pushes and lifts among employees in the manufacturing industry, which led to a poor working environment and many injuries among staff. At an early stage the company decided to focus on the large number of areas within fire & rescue where there are many physically stressful actions with heavy loads on arms, shoulders, neck and back. The outcome of this focused development has been professional equipment relieving firefighters of damaging manual handling. At the same time the equipment also allows the firefighting process to be speeded up reducing time spent.

The first products were launched in 2016. The need for solutions that minimise unnecessary lifting and pulling has been sharply increasing during recent years and in 2019 the largest emergency preparedness organisation in Denmark with more than 1000 employees installed the equipment in a large number of emergency vehicles, as part of a comprehensive improvement of the work environment during rescue operations, as well as to clean-up and prepare for the subsequent operations.

The main product offered consists of a compact trolley with electrified drive and lifting facilities, as well as associated equipment that makes it easy and efficient to equip new or existing emergency vehicles so that they live up to the requirements of a good working environment.

In 2021 the latest version of the offered trolley has been introduced in the marketplace. This version can be mounted on the back of a rescue vehicle saving space inside the car, so can be easily retro-fitted to existing vehicles. The updated trolley is mounted on a lift rail and can be lowered from the vehicle in less than two seconds. Within a few seconds it can be equipped with hose reels, tools or other gear.

The company was shortlisted for the Danish Design Awards in 2021 in the category “Better Work” where candidates are assessed on four criteria: economic impact, understanding of user needs, whether it is innovative and can create value and inspiration for others as well as the quality of the craft and design. Danish Design Awards is run by Design Denmark which is an alliance of designers, design thinkers and design businesses, working to promote design in business and society.

Since 2021 the company is an official member of CTIF International Association of Fire and Rescue – a world wide organisation working for firefighters safety since the year 1900.

In order to expand to new markets, the company is looking for commercial agents and distributors, selling technical and / or safety equipment to firefighting and defence services, where heavy movement and use of heavy equipment must be done with speed.

Advantages & innovations

The offered trolley for rescue vehicles has several advantages: a) Ergonomics - with stepless height adjustment b) Easy handling - with intuitive joystick control c) Replaceable battery - ensuring continual power in emergency conditions d) Quick change of lifting tools - tools are easily mounted using a click system e) Easy handling - with pedal for tilting the machine with load and unloading during longer transport f) Powerful components - it can lift up to 120 kg to 1 meter height g) Robust tires - puncture-free tires, suitable for response sites e) Full-electric drive - runs effortlessly through hilly and uneven terrain

Stage of development

Already on the market

Partner sought

The company seeks distributors or agents able to sell, install and provide after sales services to customers like: a) Fire stations b) Other public or private emergency preparedness organisations c) Military and defence organisations operating rescue vehicles The partner should be technically sound and capable of providing sufficient support and service to customer organisations. Partners are likely to have their own service workshop and employees with specialist competencies within rebuilding and / or construction of special vehicles to the mentioned or similar customer groups.