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NEWS ARTICLES

FÖRST WOODCHIPPER DISTRIBUTION EXPANDED INTO EUROPE

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Doug-Ghinn-1Redwood Global, manufacturer of Först woodchippers, has now expanded distribution of its market leading range of high performance and robust woodchippers into Europe following a period of significant growth.

The manufacturer has set up strategic dealer partnerships with industry experts in France, Norway and Denmark that will see arboricultural sales specialists solely distribute Först machines throughout the new territories.

In addition, Redwood Global as formed a subsidiary company (Först Gmbh) that is based in Germany to specifically meet significant customer demand in the country.

Först Gmbh and each dealership will distribute Först’s premium range of 6” and 8” wheeled, tracked and PTO woodchippers, all of which have a three year warranty as standard, offering tree surgeons, arborists and contractors complete peace of mind.

Doug Ghinn, Director at Först, commented: “We introduced the Först brand to the market over three years ago and its presence continues to go from strength to strength. We have developed an excellent reputation for manufacturing and supplying products that produce outstanding chipping performance, backed up by a first class service offering.

“We are very excited to be distributing Först wood chippers throughout Europe. Through extensive analysis and the implementation of strategic business models, we are already beginning to see a positive impact on the markets and this will only help our business to continue to grow.”

Daniel Robertson, Managing Director of Först Gmbh, said: “Först has made significant strides in the UK market in a short period of time and we are looking forward to replicating this success in Europe.

“Customers here in Germany are liking what they are seeing with the Först product and this is seen in the excellent sales achieved to date. The product is right for the European market and customers are beginning to see the quality of Först wood chippers.”

For more information on Först’s high performance range of woodchippers, or to book a demonstration, visit www.forst-woodchippers.com or call 01264 721790.

HUXLEY GOLF INSTALLS PRACTICE AREA FOR UK’S JUNIOR CHAMPIONS

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Huxley-Golf-Installs-Practice-Area-for-Junior-Champions---Press-Release-..Huxley Golf was commissioned by Merchiston Castle School near Edinburgh to strengthen its on-campus golf facilities with a comprehensive all-weather practice zone.

The leading independent boys’ school is known for its high level sporting programme and has its own Golf Academy at the nearby Kings Acre Golf Course. Led by PGA Professional Alan Murdoch, Merchiston Golf Academy nurtures students through a progressive system that allows them to work on personalised golf performance programmes. Its success is such that the International Schools Golf Association (IGSA) has ranked Merchiston the number one golf school in the UK. In 2015 and 2016 the Golf Academy Junior Team won the title of joint National ISGA Junior League Champions.

To facilitate coaching and enable daily practice, Huxley Golf helped Merchiston to convert a disused basketball area into an all-weather golf practice area for its students. It comprises three practice nets which provide a safe and effective zone to practise drives and long shots, as well as a 15ft (4.5m) x 18ft (5.5m) putting green, finished with Huxley Golf Premier Leisure Turf surround. The high quality surfaces used do not require any specialist greenkeeper knowledge as they are virtually maintenance free, making them ideal for use in schools and universities. For technical details see www.huxleygolf.com.

Director of Merchiston Golf Academy, Alan Murdoch, commented: “Our golf programme offers a completely customised approach to cater for the specific needs of each individual player. Our new Huxley Golf practice area will support the boys’ formal coaching programme and complement the facilities at Kings Acre by enabling them to work on their golf skills every day, come rain or shine. I am confident that it will help us to achieve competitive advantage in future junior golf competitions.”

Paul Chester, General Manager at Huxley Golf, added: “We have an excellent track record of working with some of the UK’s premier educational establishments to provide the best possible environment in which to nurture the next generation of golf stars. The materials
that we use are the same PGA-accredited, tournament quality golf surfaces that are specified by the world’s top golf clubs and championship courses, thus providing a realistic experience for juniors at the outset.”

He continued: “It was an honour to work with Merchiston Castle School which is clearly setting new standards when it comes to junior golf and we wish the boys continued success.”

Huxley Golf provides premier all-weather surfaces for golf around the world. Clients include training and coaching establishments, golf resorts, ranges and academies as well as many of the world’s best known golf courses. For more information about Huxley Golf premier all- weather golf surfaces, visit www.huxleygolf.com or call 01962 733222.

Storm-tec weathers it with Polaris

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StormtecStorm-tec has been appointed an authorised Polaris dealer for the Republic of Ireland. The Wexford-based dealership has built an exceptional reputation supplying clients in the marine industry, including the Irish Coast Guard, Community Rescue Service, the Rivers Agency, Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Northern Ireland Fire Service.

With a policy of working only with premium world class brands (they are Northern Ireland’s only Helly Hansen workwear provider), the Wexford branch has an in-house marine service centre, alongside which they run a Managed Service solution in servicing and storing life jackets, dry suits and other marine wear.

“With Wexford as the base, Storm-tec is now expanding its farming and countryside business,” says Dealer Principal Conor Gribbon “and as authorised Polaris dealers we’re very confident we are supplying all our clients with top of the range and competitively priced 4×4 vehicles to suit our terrain and climate.”

Conor cites the Polaris Ranger Diesel as the ideal UTV for the Irish Coast Guard, while the Polaris Sportsman ATVs are highly popular with the farmers. This was well demonstrated at the recent National Ploughing Championships in County Offaly where Storm-tec exhibited for the first time. Braving the weather, with a large stand, they put on display the full range of Polaris All-Terrain Vehicles. Attracting a great deal of interest from many of the 283,000 people who had donned wellies and visited the event, the successful leads they took prompted a definite return to the show with Polaris in 2017.

Polaris Britain: 0800 915 6720 www.polaris-britain.com

VERTAS DELIVERS “PROFESSIONAL SERVICE” WITH TORO

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Fast-growing facilities management provider Vertas Group Limited’s grounds division has invested in the adaptable Toro T4240 high-output mower to deliver a “professional service” for its customers.

Vertas provide services to schools and businesses in Suffolk and across East Anglia and its grounds team, which primarily maintains sports fields for schools, football and rugby clubs, decided to make an addition to its shed when an old machine needed replacing.

Contracts manager Shaun Swan says: “We tried a variety of machines and preferred the Toro T4240 over competitor brands. We had to test the market, but the T4240 really is the leading machine for what we want.”

It became clear to Shaun that the T4240 was perfect for the job when Toro UK distributor Reesink Turfcare loaned him a machine. “Our Reesink rep Danny was very helpful in sourcing a T4240 for us to use and we quickly saw the quality of finish needed across all our sites. The employees were all impressed; they found it comfortable and were more than happy to use it!”

Shaun speaks of just some of the many benefits of the T4240: “The machine’s portability makes life easier as you can piggy-back it onto a trailer to transport it from site to site. It’s very versatile too; it can cover a large area and also be used in tricky, confined spaces as either a triple or five-unit machine.”

One of the main reasons Shaun chose the T4240 is because it gives Vertas’ sites a top quality finish. He says: “The cutting cylinders float and follow contours producing a consistent and beautiful cut. As professionals we need to ensure we’re providing a professional service to our customers – the Toro T4240 makes this easy.”

But it’s not just the initial acquisition of the machine, Shaun feels he can rely on Reesink’s aftercare service too: “With Reesink we know we can get parts easily and locally, meaning our Toro machines are never out of service for long.”

Jonathan Pendry to join Bernhard and Company as the newly appointed Director of Agronomy

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Jonathan-Pendry-Bernhard-and-CompanyBernhard and Company is pleased to announce that Jonathan Pendry, world leading agronomist and turf consultant, will be joining the company this October as Director of Agronomy.

The company is already renowned in the industry for its ability to offer full service turf care solutions to its global customer base. Jonathan’s agronomic know-how and considerable experience will further strengthen their reputation as a leading supplier of turf health solutions.
Jonathan founded his own consultancy business, International Turf Company (ITC), in 2012. Over the last four years ITC has established itself as a premier consultancy company with projects across Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and Africa. One of the first ever degree qualified agronomists in Europe and an approved GEP sustainability associate, Jonathan has the perfect credentials to support Bernhard’s latest addition to the EMEA product portfolio, SubAir™ Systems and TurfBreeze™ Fans.

“We are delighted to have Jonathan on board,” says Steve Nixon, Director of Global Sales. “He has such a strong industry background and provides the agronomy expertise we need to help us strengthen our turf care reputation in the pitch care and golf industries.”

“I have worked closely with Bernhard on several projects recently and I have always been impressed by the level of customer service, training and education that they provide,” adds Jonathan. “The company is truly focused on turf health and ensuring that customers get the quality of turf they desire. I really look forward to working closely with Bernhard’s global customer base and supporting the Bernhard team in growing the business.”