Looking back last year, Heron Joinery was named winner of the Innovation of the Year award at the Business Energy Achievement Awards 2025, celebrated for its inventive, in-house designed roller/turntable system that transformed manufacturing workflow and workplace ergonomics.

The initiative, developed entirely by Heron Joinery’s skilled joiners, streamlined production by enabling one-piece flow, eliminating double handling, and reducing physical strain on employees. Its impact was immediately measurable, cutting final assembly defects from 40% to just 2%, improving both quality and operational efficiency.

Judges highlighted the initiative as a standout example of practical, high-impact innovation. “This entry impressed the panel for its clear focus on process improvement, employee wellbeing, and operational performance. By combining ingenuity with measurable outcomes, Heron Joinery demonstrated how targeted improvements can drive meaningful change across the manufacturing floor,” the panel said.

The recognition reflects the evolving standards within the Business Energy Achievement Awards, where winners are increasingly distinguished by solutions that combine technical innovation, operational excellence, and measurable results. Heron Joinery’s achievement showcases how internally driven innovation can deliver tangible benefits while setting benchmarks for others in Irish manufacturing.

With momentum from the 2025 winners, the awards continue to shine a spotlight on organisations driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainable operational practices. As attention turns to the next cycle, the question arises: who will set the next benchmark for business energy and operational excellence in 2026, and which innovations will redefine efficiency, sustainability, and workplace performance across the sector?

Relive the highlights of the 2025 awards and explore the inspiring projects shaping Ireland’s industrial landscape. Visit the official website and subscribe to the newsletter for category updates, key insights, and exclusive announcements.