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NEWS ARTICLES

Kyoeisha Co,. Ltd (Baroness) acquires Shibaura

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Kyoeisha Co,. Ltd (Baroness) acquires Shibaura: Kyoeisha Co., Ltd. (Baroness) has reached an agreement with IHI Corporation to acquire Shibaura – the turf care machinery business of IHI Agri-Tech Corporation.

Kyoeisha has been looking to enhance production capacity and expand sales and customer service to meet future domestic and international demand. The acquisition of IHI Agri-Tech Corporation’s turf care machinery business aligns perfectly with these goals.

Kyoeisha Co,. Ltd (Baroness) acquires Shibaura

Kyoeisha Co,. Ltd (Baroness) acquires Shibaura

An established manufacturer of turf care equipment, IHI Agri-Tech Corporation boasts state-of-the-art facilities, a skilled workforce and a reputation for high-quality products both in Japan and overseas. The Shibaura brand is recognised globally for its leading range of walk behind mowers, 3-gang and 5-gang reel and rotary ride-on mowers, front mowers and other ride-on implements – such as top dressers and bunker rakes – for maintenance tasks on the golf course.

Recognising the strategic fit and potential for growth, Kyoeisha engaged in extensive discussions with IHI Corporation. It was formally announced on 25th November 2024 that Kyoeisha had proudly reached an agreement for its acquisition of the Shibaura brand and portfolio.

This acquisition is expected to enhance product and service value while supporting the expansion of Kyoeisha’s business. More details will be released in due course.

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Green-tech and HedgeLife enhance environmental credentials

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Green-tech and HedgeLife enhance environmental credentials: Hayley’s Farm wanted to improve the environmental credentials of the farm. One goal was to plant 4,500 meters of new hedgerows and to lay 1,300 meters of existing hedgerows. This effort is part of a broader initiative to improve connectivity across the landscape and to create diverse wildlife habitats.

They turned to Essex-based HedgeLife, a company passionate about improving the UK’s hedgerow network. Working for farmers, landowners, and domestic clients, HedgeLife plants, lays and coppices hedges.

Green-tech and HedgeLife enhance environmental credentials

Green-tech and HedgeLife enhance environmental credentials

Ian Metson, the owner of HedgeLife has a long-standing relationship with leading landscape supplier Green-tech and used 4000 meters of EcoMatt weed prevention mat, 27,000 Ecowrap tree shelters, and 27,000 supporting bamboo canes for this project.

EcoMatt. An environmentally friendly weed prevention mat that degrades over two growing seasons and helps to suppress competing weed growth within the vicinity of the tree root development area. Manufactured in the UK, exclusively for Green-tech, Ecomatt is made from 100% recycled materials that allow water and air to percolate through the wool layer and help retain moisture during drought. The matting also acts as an insulator and absorbs heat from the sun thus creating an assisted environment for the plant to establish itself.

Ecowrap tree shelters. Designed to protect young broadleaf trees, the Tubex Ecowrap tree shelter is an environmentally conscious choice. Made of non-biodegradable polypropylene, which offers durability and longevity compared to traditional materials, EcoWrap is a new tree guard with many innovative features to protect trees in an environmentally friendly manner. Not only are they fast and straightforward to install, but the Tubex Ecowrap Tree Shelter Guards also trap heat and moisture around the tree to boost survival rates and create the best growing environment possible. The guards expand alongside the tree, providing plenty of space to ensure it isn’t suffocated as it grows.

Canes. Green-tech’s bamboo canes provide crucial support to the young hedgerow plants, ensuring they grow straight and strong. This initial support is vital for establishing a robust and healthy hedgerow.

HedgeLife took a comprehensive approach to the hedgerow project at Hayley’s Farm. They planned the planting and laying of hedgerows to optimise environmental benefits. Green-tech’s materials were central to their strategy, ensuring that the plants were well-protected and had the best possible start.

Ian Metson from HedgeLife explains, “Working with Green-tech has been a seamless experience. Their products are high quality and align with our commitment to sustainability. The project at Hayley’s Farm exemplifies how sustainable agricultural practices and quality materials can create significant environmental benefits. This hedgerow will improve the farm’s ecological credentials and establish vital wildlife habitats, contributing to broader biodiversity goals. Green-tech’s products, such as Ecowrap matting and EcoMatt guards, played a crucial role in the success of this initiative.”

The farm has seen immediate benefits from the project. The newly planted and laid hedgerows are thriving, and the landscape connectivity has been greatly improved. The presence of the hedgerows has already started attracting a variety of wildlife, fulfilling the ecological goals of the project.

James Padfield from Hayley’s Farm adds, “The transformation on our farm is remarkable. The new hedgerows enhance the beauty of our landscape but also provide essential habitats for wildlife. We are grateful to HedgeLife for their expertise and high-quality materials, which made this possible.”

For more information on the products used, visit Green-tech or to learn more about HedgeLife www.hedgelife.co.uk

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Pellenc Fixion 2 lighting up Christmas spirit

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Pellenc Fixion 2 lighting up Christmas spirit: In the heart of picturesque Bakewell, the town’s Christmas Tree Team has found a revolutionary ally in the Pellenc Fixion 2 Tying Machine.

Bakewell, nestled in the Derbyshire Dales, is renowned for its festive charm. Each year the Bakewell Christmas Tree Team, led by Robert Boyle, adds a touch of magic to the town, creating an enchanting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

Pellenc Fixion 2 lighting up Christmas spirit

Pellenc Fixion 2 lighting up Christmas spirit

“Each year we erect between 80 and 120 5ft Christmas trees, including one 25ft tree,” said Robert. “We cable tie Christmas lights onto every tree, and they need to survive all kinds of harsh weather. It is an arduous job and I have always been looking at ways to make that more efficient and try to be a little bit more environmentally friendly.”

After much research, Robert identified that the Pellenc Fixion 2 was the tool which could make a difference.

Lightweight and easy to handle, the new generation Fixion 2 vine tying machine boosts productivity.  Time savings compared to hand tying mean that the investment pays for itself very quickly. Its record weight of 800g, including the battery, offers great freedom to move around while you work. Its ergonomic handle and battery life lets the operator hold the tool securely in their hand throughout a full working day.

Putting up over 100 Christmas trees in Bakewell’s world-renowned town is no small feat, and Robert shared how the Fixion 2 has transformed their Christmas tree decorating tradition: “It has saved us about 40% of the time we would normally spend putting the lights on the trees.

Also, we can wear gloves now – whereas before we couldn’t put cable ties on with gloves because they were just too fiddly. This has massively improved operator comfort.”

Furthermore, Robert highlighted the environmental benefits of using the Fixion 2; “It has allowed us to be more confident in the ways that we recycle the trees after use.”

By replacing traditional cable ties with the Fixion 2, the team has eliminated the use of over 5,000 individual plastic bits, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly Christmas tradition.

The biodegradable nature of Fixion 2 ensures no plastic residue is left on the trees, offering peace of mind when recycling.

“Instead of going in shredders and being taken straight to composting they now go to a local animal sanctuary where they are used for alpacas and goats,” added Robert.

The Pellenc Fixion 2 Tying Machine has not only saved time for the Bakewell Christmas Tree Team but has also elevated their commitment to environmental sustainability. As Bakewell continues to shine with Christmas spirit, the Fixion 2 stands tall as an indispensable tool ensuring the tradition sparkles with efficiency and eco-conscious brilliance.

Pellenc products are exclusively distributed in the UK by Etesia UK.

For more information, visit www.etesia.co.uk/pellenc

You can also follow Pellenc on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PellencUK for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Bernhard and Company announces distribution partnership

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Bernhard and Company announces distribution partnership: Bernhard and Company, an industry leader in fine turf management solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Maya Global, further embracing a data-driven approach within the sports turf industry and setting a new benchmark for industry excellence.

Maya Global offers software solutions that allow an analytical approach to sustainable land management, encompassing golf courses, vineyards, football pitches, and cricket grounds. Its artificial intelligence continuously anticipates the risk of turf disease, monitoring nutrient inputs using local weather conditions and providing customised alarms and notifications for turf professionals – such as indicators of disease and frost ahead of time.

Bernhard and Company announces distribution partnership

Bernhard and Company announces distribution partnership

The partnership between Bernhard and Company and Maya Global will unite the expertise of two industry innovators, ensuring the distribution of Maya Global solutions throughout England and Wales, so that pitch and land managers can perform their maintenance processes more efficiently.

“Partnering with Maya Global allows us to make further strides in our digital innovations, in addition to the Soil Scout product that we already distribute within the UK,” said Angelique Crosnier, Commercial Director at Bernhard and Company.

“As an example, calculating resource allocation will become automated, so combined with our Soil Scout sensors, customers will be able to use water more efficiently and reduce maintenance costs further. Making decisions is much easier when utilising instant insights that are fully backed by reliable data.”

“Maya was founded through a passion for nature, managing water resource and reconciling sustainable ambitions”, added Valentine Godin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Maya Global. “Technology can be used to advance the autonomy of greenkeeping, saving time and other valuable resources. To partner with an industry leader like Bernhard to help distribute our products fills us with confidence that our ethos and software solution can be used worldwide to further enhance turf management.”

Maya Global echoes Bernhard’s commitment to environmental sustainability and minimising wasted resources. Through their combined efforts, Bernhard and Maya Global will provide sustainable solutions such as an intelligent task management schedule, allowing turf professionals to optimise their maintenance regime and adopt informed agronomy practices.

Together, Bernhard Company and Maya Global are paving the way for a future where data-driven insights and advanced technology work hand-in-hand to transform the sports turf industry.

To speak to the Bernhard team about implementing Maya Global software in your facility, head to www.bernhard.co.uk/contact/ and speak to a member of the sales team.

To find out more about Bernhard and Company, visit: www.bernhard.co.uk

To find out more about Maya Global, head to: https://mayaglobal.io/

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Premier Wicket supports premier cricket

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Premier Wicket supports premier cricket: While the cricket season at Hertfordshire’s Aldenham School may not be long in duration it is intense, with students and community clubs using the facilities for training and fixtures between Easter and early July.

The concentrated play demands fast recovery and outstanding wear tolerance from the surfaces and specifically the grass seed – both of which Grounds and Gardens Supervisor Danny Wells says they achieve with Johnsons J Premier Wicket.

Premier Wicket supports premier cricket

Premier Wicket supports premier cricket

Danny is no stranger to the Johnsons Sports Seed range, having used a variety of formulations in his previous role at Arsenal Football Club. On joining Aldenham in the spring of 2024, he was delighted to discover Johnsons had once again been chosen for renovation of the school’s four cricket squares. “It’s always been a brand I’ve known you can rely on to perform so it was reassuring to come to this new role with one less thing to be worried about!”

“The work from the last renovation had clearly paid dividends as, come the end of the season in July, we were still seeing good coverage on the squares and we knew this was only going to improve further with another overseed of J Premier Wicket. We applied the seed at a rate of 60g/m2 and, assisted by mother nature, we were doing the first cut in just two and a half weeks!”

J Premier Wicket blends four top-rated perennial ryegrass cultivars to deliver class-leading wear tolerance, rapid establishment and visual merit. High disease resistance can also be expected as standard – something which Danny compliments. “Despite disease pressure being high this year with the combination of warm and overcast weather, we’ve seen very little in the way of any disease.”

He continues, “Another thing that’s important for us as a multi-sport site is that, when cricket season is over, the squares ideally need to look after themselves. While our focus with the maintenance may be elsewhere, we know come the spring that with this grass seed they’ll be ready for play.”

Danny was also fortunate enough to pay a recent visit to one of DLF’s breeding centres in Holland, as part of a trip organised by distributors Agrovista. “While I know the grass seed, it was fantastic to get an insight into the science and years of research and development that go into ensuring the right varieties make it into the bag. This has only reaffirmed my confidence in the Johnsons range, knowing that as a company they’re working hard to find seed solutions that will help us turf managers overcome the challenges of the future.”

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