Last night the winners of the second TECHNI-MAT awards were announced. Congratulations to all the winners!

WINNER SUSTAINABILITY AWARD Kessel - EcoLift & Ecolift XL
WINNER TECHNICAL AWARD CGK Maritime - SUREBRIDGE
WINNER AUDIENCE AWARD Stradus - Hydro Store+

CGK Group and Kessel win Techni-Mat Awards

In Kortrijk Xpo on Wednesday, March 9, the Techni-Mat Awards were presented for the second time during the opening day of Techni-Mat, the two-day trade fair for all players within infra & structural engineering. As in 2020, CGK Group won the Technical Award. The Sustainability Award went to Kessel. Marlux-Stradus won the Audience Award.

In addition to more than 120 exhibitors and a varied seminar program, the presentation of the Techni-Mat Awards counts as one of the highlights during the fair. "An independent jury with considerable expertise in the sector, both in Belgium and the Netherlands, narrowed down all entries to three nominees per category after careful consideration," says Wim Fierens, who presented the awards on behalf of Louwers Media Group. Three contenders were selected for both the Sustainability Award and the Technical Award.

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

In the Sustainability names category Hydro Store+ from Stradus, SUREbridge from CGK Maritime and Ecolift (XL) from Kessel against each other. And it was the latter that came out on top. The Ecolift has a strong link to current events. In times of increasingly extreme weather conditions, water management is a hot topic. As a hybrid lifting unit with integrated pumping station, Ecolift combines the safety of a lifting unit with the efficiency of discharge via natural decay. While a traditional lifting unit pumps constantly and thus consumes energy constantly, Ecolift pumps only when it is really necessary.

Motorized valves close to prevent backflow and wastewater is discharged by pump only in case of backflow. The Ecolift thus presents itself as a smart variant for private use and as a sustainable alternative solution in the current problem of flooding. "I did not immediately expect this, but of course hoped for it," said a beaming Wouter Van den Bergen, Sales Manager at Kessel. "This award will definitely get a nice spot."

Rank

• WINNER | KESSEL | ECOLIFT (XL)
• 2nd place | STRADUS | HYDRO STORE+
• 3rd place | CGK MARITIME | SUREBRIDGE

TECHNICAL AWARD

While CGK Maritime lost out to Kessel in the Sustainability category, it was successful in the Technical category. And that for the second edition in a row, because CGK Group also won the Technical Award in 2020. At that time thanks to the fiberglass-reinforced composite bridges based on InfraCore® technology. This year, CGK Group convinced the jury with SUREbridge, a unique form of bridge renovation based on the same InfraCore® technology. SUREbridge also responds to a very current problem: the condition of our bridges. A very important aspect at such sites is the less disruption story. Here too, SUREbridge offers advantages because the very short construction time ensures less inconvenience. Transport costs are also reduced, which has a positive impact on the environment.

The existing structure is retained wherever possible, leading to less demolition and therefore less waste. Not only are the lifespans of the bridges extended, but capacity can also be increased by widening the bridge. "We are obviously pleased with this award and it is hopeful to see that the construction and infrastructure sectors are working on innovative solutions and developments. Proof that a lot is also moving within our sector in this area," says Jan Swyngedouw, Business Unit Manager at CGK Group.

Ranking:

• WINNER | CGK MARITIME | SUREBRIDGE 
• 2nd place | OPDAMO | BENDER SYSTEM
• 3rd place | AVETUM | ECA-LIFT

AUDIENCE AWARD

The top three in each category also received a place in the Wall of Fame, which is on display at the fair. On Wednesday, March 9, the public in attendance could vote for his/her personally preferred product to determine who could take home the Audience Award. And it was Hydro Store+ from Stradus that received the most votes from the public. Hydro Store+ is a totally new type of permeable concrete pavers that combines the best of the already existing types and eliminates their disadvantages. It combines a closed high-quality overlay and a porous sub-concrete to bring together water infiltration and comfort.