Axiam Plastics in Aramoho put their best foot forward in the 2008 New Zealand Plastics Industry Awards in Auckland last week and came home with two silvers and a bronze.
The only plastics company in the region and Manawatu to enter the awards, Axiam saw its insole placed in three categories a bronze for consumer products and silver in the foam and export categories.
Two Melbourne podiatrists approached Axiam 10 years ago to make the foam insole because the ones that were on the market lost their shape within days of use.
A water vapour blown microcellular foam system was developed specifically for the insole, which holds its shape and stays supportive.
Axiam exports to Interpod in Melbourne who then distributes to Australia and the UK.
Axiam's Roger Jones has worked with the product since its inception and manages the Interpod account.
Thirty-seven New Zealand companies entered the awards and displayed their best designs, tool making and production techniques.
General manager Frank Oskam said the huge display of plastic products put the Axiam name on to the national stage.
As Wanganui was away from the main industrial centres, the expo gave Axiam exposure to the national market, Mr Oskam said.
Designers who helped get their customers products into the market attended the industry expo.
Mr Oskam said Axiam has entered their designs in previous years and always returned with an award.
PICTURED:BEST FOOT FORWARD: Last Friday Axiam Plastics Roger Jones was seeing silver and bronze, not spots, at the 2008 New Zealand Plastics Industry Design Awards. The Wanganui company put their best foot forward with their Interpod insole and won two silvers and a bronze.
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