19.11.09
Guests at the Interbuild exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham were treated to a heart-pounding finale to the IRWIN Ultimate Tradesman Challenge which was supported by Protrade.
Almost 4000 contestants have taken part in the competition over the past nine months, all demonstrating their skills and vying for a chance to win an amazing IRWIN Porsche 911
sports car at events throughout the UK.
Kitchen fitter and joiner Rob Guyll was the eventual winner, driving away in the prize Porsche after a nail-biting competition watched by hundreds of tool professionals.
Over the course of Interbuild, Rob, from Yarm in North Yorkshire, went head to head with seven of the finest tradesmen that the industry has to offer. Each of them had previously
emerged victorious from one of more than 60 heats that took place across the length and breadth of the UK.
Every contestant had to complete, against the clock, a specially prepared challenge that involves cutting a length of wood using the IRWIN Jack 880 Triple Ground Saw, quickly and
accurately marking the wood with the IRWIN Marking Square, clamping it using the new Quick-Grip XP one handed bar clamp and drilling a series of holes with the Blue Groove 6x and
Cordless drill bits.
The eight contestants battled it out in the knockout stages, consistently racking up some impressive sub-30 second times, until only two were left – Rob Guyll and Dave Brown.
The two lightning-fast tool-wielding titans took to the stage to the applause and shouted encouragement of the crowd, which spilled over into the walkways around the Irwin & Protrade stand.
First blood in the best-of-five competition went to Rob, after Dave, perhaps feeling the pressure, dropped his power drill. The second round saw Dave claw it back, completing in
28.25 to his opponents 28.44, a margin of less than 0.2 of a second!
But Rob won the next two rounds with 26.76 and 28.99 seconds, claiming the keys to his prize from Neil Elbeler, the global president of IRWIN.
Rob said: “The last few bouts were very close and it was very tense. The other guys in the final were great and I can't believe I won. I've put a lot of time and effort into this.
Ever since the first show it was my mission - I even scheduled work around going to shows!”
Paul Jakeway, Trade Marketing Manager at IRWIN added: “The Ultimate Tradesman Challenge has been a great success and has really captured the imagination of the industry. We're
already looking forward to next year and beginning our search for the Ultimate Tradesman 2010.” We will keep you posted on the schedule for the 2010 competition in due course.
Once again, Protrade have been asked to be the principle partner for the final of The Ultimate Tradesman Challenge 2010.
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14.08.09
Our Protrade Depot in Chesterfield has merged with Derbyshire Industrial Sales (DIS) to become the largest power tools and fixings supplier in the Chesterfield area.
Chris Brown, the previous owner and Managing Director of DIS for over 25 years, now takes over as Managing Director of DIS Protrade. The business will operate from the existing Protrade Depot on Sheffield Road (S41 8LS), with an impressive showroom and trade counter area.
The merge will now offer all our customers in the Chesterfield area significant benefits in terms of service levels and expertise.
To get in touch with the Chesterfield team call 01246 222 333 or email chesterfield@protrade.co.uk |
07.05.08
Makita have spent millions of pounds and several years developing both Nickel Cadmium and Nickel Hydride and now Li-Ion batteries.
They have developed sophisticated state of the art charging technology as well and with respect to Ni-Mh and Li-Ion batteries, which are incorporated with a mini CPU. This CPU uses patented technology to communicate with the charger.
This technology then ensures, that the batteries will be charged correctly for maximum power but also safely by matching the charging regime with the battery usage.
It has come to their attention that there are many copy Makita batteries on the market copying Makita shape and claiming to be suitable as replacements.
Makita can not recommend the selling or use of these batteries in their products. They are unsure of their make up or design and cannot guarantee that they are safe.
27.11.07
Protrade are launching a new range of selected screwdriver bits in January 2008. These are exceptional quality offering a) Immediate pick up b) Reduced cam out (non slip) c) Reduced screwhead damage d) Extended life e) Satisfaction guaranteed. These are suitable for Makita, Bosch, Dewalt, Metabo, Fein and Ryobi Cordless Drill Drivers and Screwdrivers. Log on in the new year for Promotional Offers.
01.08.07
Special thanks to Globus, supplier of Showa Industrial Gloves, for providing gloves for an excellent cause. A group of eight girls from the Matthew Holland School in Selston, Nottinghamshire have traveled to Malawi for the summer, to work in an orphanage. Malawi is a small country in central Africa and amongst the 10 poorest countries in the world. There are many orphanages in Malawi, caring and growing number of children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. In total, there are 1 million orphans out of a population of 12 million and nearly one third of the young adult population is infected with HIV. Any help is greatly appreciated by the Malawians; well done to the girls for spending thir summer break assisting and thanks once again to Globus for their support.
19.06.07
The Protrade Tool Show in Derby proved to be a tremendous success. Over the two days, more than 500 customers attended the event in the beautiful sunshine. The Williams F1 Racing Car attracted a great deal of interest and the Dewalt Challenge rewarded the fastest person to change two of the racing cars tyres. Congratulations to Mark Brennan from Draycott, who managed an unbelievable time of 20.02 seconds, winning a fantastic Dewalt 18V Cordless 5pce Kit worth over £600.00.
An 18V Makita Cordless 5pce Kit, also worth over £600.00, was also up for grabs in the free prize draw. This was won by David Brough from Heanor. There were also special Tool Show offers and new & innovative products from all exhibitors including, Metabo, Festool, Makita, Dewalt, Paslode, Mascot, Ryobi, Milwauke, Irwin, Zarges, Rems, Leica plus many more. Thanks to all those that attended and helped make the two days a great occassion. Plans are already being made for next years Tool Show.... watch this space for more details.
21.05.07
Protrade Derby Depot is holding a Tool Show on Friday 8th June 9.00am - 4.00pm
& Saturday 9th June 9.00am - 4.00pm. The following top brands will be
attending: Festool, Metabo, Zarges, Paslode, Makita, Belle, Dewalt, Leica,
Mascot, Bosch, Irwin, Rems, Sentri & Wera. It is Free entry on the day, we
will be featuring new products and giving hands on demonstrations. Please
download the leaflet from the site, this will give information on claiming your
Free Gift and also a Prize Draw entry. Make a note in your diary, this event
is not to be missed as there will be massive savings on the day!
15.03.07
Festool have launched a revolutionary new Cross Cut Kapex Mitre Saw KS120
that offers great technical benefits, exceptional accuracy and
useability. This machine is available to order online now. Keep
visiting to find out other exciting new Power Tool launches.
