A specialist manufacturing company has teamed up with The Manx Workshop for the Disabled to assist with the production of one of its range of disability products.

DLP Limited, which makes state-of-the-art disability and assisted living products sold around the world, has commissioned the Manx Workshop to complete the assembly of a range of specialised mobility grab rails.

The Workshop now has a team of staff which assembles the rails at its premises in Douglas, at the former Noble’s hospital.

“This is a really positive working arrangement,” said the Workshop’s general manager Peter Hindley. “We are extremely grateful to DLP. There is an obvious symbiosis in the service we provide, so it works really well for everyone.”

The Workshop has now been providing this service for DLP for several months, which looks like continuing into a long term working relationship.

The Workshop provides a sheltered, therapeutic working environment for those who are less able to compete for commercial jobs. They provide training and develop skills that increase opportunities for disabled individuals in the open job market and support local businesses, organisations and the local community.

DLP, based in Union Mills, designs and manufactures bespoke products to enhance the lives of people with disabilities and mobility issues in their homes. Products include easy access showers and bathrooms and height-adjustable kitchens which enable people to live independently in their own homes.

A number of its products have also been used in the Joey Dunlop Foundation accommodation building at Braddan Bridge and the recently opened Thie Quinney sheltered housing project in Ramsey.

Tim Baker, DLP senior executive director, said, “This project worked very well for both ourselves and The Manx Workshop for the Disabled. We hope to continue to grow our relationship and to extend our work into the wider community on the Isle of Man.

“We look forward to a long lasting working partnership.”

Photo - The Workshop team with another batch of grab rails for DLP Limited. Left to right: Mathew Callin, Barry Whittle, Kyle Lee and manager Peter Hindley.