The project started in 2014 with the initial design that became a first prototype in 2015 and was tested for vines. Later the prototype was adapted to other fruit trees with different heights and trunks. With the definitive prototype the production chain was set and the components (brushes, iron connections, wooden handle) were completely integrated. More than 4000 prototypes were tested in 10 countries (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Croatia, Chile, and Argentina) at partner vineyards, fruit producers and nurseries.
To protect the intellectual property of SSR we applied for an utility model in Spain and Chile, both of them granted. The application for European Patent was not possible but SSR is also granted with an utility model in Germany that ensures the possibility of the product to be marketed in that country.
There is already a plan for industrialization of SSR in the upcoming years that consists, from the technical point of view, in an improvement of materials, changing the different parts to make the tool lighter, durable and stronger; addition of new parts as handgrip and rollers for easier use and less damage for the plant; adaptation to other crops and to crops with protectors against animals. From the business point of view we have planned to participate in fairs in different countries, invest in marketing and advertising and detail plans to reach German, Italian, USA and Chilean markets.
