Management change at Reform

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Management change at Reform: Reinhard Riepl hands over the sole management of Reform-Werke Bauer & Co Holding Aktiengesellschaft and the Chair of the Executive Board of Reform-Werke Bauer & Co Gesellschaft m.b.H. to Markus Wieshofer.

Leading Austrian specialist tractor manufacturer Reform has announced a change of management.

Management change at Reform

Management change at Reform

On June 30, 2025, CEO Reinhard Riepl will hand over his responsibility to Markus Wieshofer. He will remain with the Reform Group in an advisory capacity until the end of the year.

Markus Wieshofer takes over the sole board of directors and forms the management board together with Wolfgang Zauner.

Mr Riepl has played a key role in shaping the company‘s strategy and will continue to support the Reform Group in an advisory capacity until the end of 2025.

Reinhard Riepl originally joined the company, based in Wels, more than a quarter of a century ago as Head of Finance. In 2005, he was appointed to the Executive Board of Reform Group as Managing Director of Reform-Werke Bauer & Co GmbH. Appointment as CEO of the Group followed in 2019.

“Reform Group was always more than just a place of work for me during these years that have seen some exciting major changes and successful re¬organisation. I would like to emphasise in particular the cooperation, based on trust, with the main owner of the company, Clemens Malina-Altzinger,” said Mr Riepl. “I am very pleased to know that this responsibility is now in the good hands of Markus Wieshofer.”

Chairman of the Supervisory Board Dr Clemens Malina-Altzinger pays tribute to Mr Riepl’s commitment: “Reinhard Riepl has led the company through many dynamic years with vision and a steady hand. We thank him very much for that!”

Markus Wieshofer has been with the company since 2023 and is the experienced and successful CSO who will assume the role of sole member of the Executive Board of Reform-Werke Bauer & Co Holding Aktiengesellschaft and Chair of the Executive Board of Reform-Werke Bauer & Co Gesellschaft m.b.H.

Reform’s specialist tractors, which offer a range of features for operation in steep and challenging conditions and can be used with a multitude of implements, are distributed in the UK by Simon Richard Ltd.

For more information contact: simon@simon-richard.co.uk

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Centre of Excellence Celebrates First Year

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Centre of Excellence Celebrates First Year: The UK’s first Centre of Excellence in glasshouse growing has celebrated a fruitful opening year, with some of its produce being showcased at this weekend’s Kent County Show.

The Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence @ Hadlow College, which was officially opened in June 2024, is an education centre developed to inspire and train the next generation of UK salad and vegetable growers.

Centre of Excellence Celebrates First Year

Centre of Excellence Celebrates First Year

It is based at Hadlow College’s state-of-the-art glasshouse and sees horticultural students working directly with Thanet Earth, the UK’s largest glasshouse salad supplier, to develop their skills and grow tomatoes in a commercial crop environment.

It has had a successful first year and the fruits of its labours will, quite literally, be on display at the Hadlow College marquee at the Kent County Show this weekend, where visitors will be able to try tomatoes freshly grown at the facility.

After being officially opened in June 2024, it was announced in December that it had donated a tonne of its produce to the food charity FareShare during 2024, providing the equivalent of 2,260 meals and supporting 27 charity and community groups as a result.

The Centre of Excellence has gone on to feature on both BBC and ITV in the intervening period, and in February horticulture students planted the 2025 crop, with hopes for another bumper year.

The facility plays an integral part in horticulture courses at the College and features cutting edge technology including: suspended gutters running hydroponics for the tomatoes, LED and high-pressure sodium lighting and a vertical growing farm.

Alan Harvey, Hadlow College’s Head of Curriculum for Horticulture and Floristry, says: “Our first year has been a fantastic one, where students have benefited enormously from the Centre of Excellence in developing their skills in glasshouse technology and growing. In addition to this we are very grateful to all our partners who have engaged with students over the year providing guest lecture spots, visits, practical workshops and coaching opportunities.”

Sally Channon, Senior Technologist (Innovation) at Thanet Earth, adds: “It has been remarkable to see the effort and enthusiasm shown by the students, their commitment to learning about how we grow crops in a protected environment using advanced techniques and sustainable practices has been inspirational.

“At Thanet Earth, we’re passionate about producing food efficiently and responsibly, and it has been rewarding to see young people engaging with these principles. This has all been proudly supported by our Sponsors who have enriched the learning experience for the students.”

To find out more about the Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence @ Hadlow College, and everything else the College offers, visit the Hadlow College marquee at the Kent County Show this weekend or visit the projects page of Hadlow College website.

The Kent County Show, held annually in July, is the region’s premier event for farming, agriculture, and countryside life. For three days, the Kent Showground comes alive with animals, horses, vintage vehicles, retail stands, and much more, celebrating the best of the county.

This year it runs from Friday 4 July to Sunday 6 July. To find out more visit the Kent County Show website.

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STIHL launches new battery-powered backpack blowers

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STIHL launches new battery-powered backpack blowers: Designed for professional use, STIHL has launched the new BRA 500 and BRA 600 battery-operated backpack blowers, with maximum blowing force for clearing large areas. 

The two new battery-powered machines provide high air speed, with a maximum blowing force of up to 32 (BRA 500) and 35 newtons (BRA 600), available throughout the entire tool’s operating time, making them ideal for removing heavy, wet leaves quickly and efficiently.

STIHL launches new battery-powered backpack blowers

STIHL launches new battery-powered backpack blowers

Users can also regulate the required blowing force by selecting one of the tool’s three levels using its digital control, with an additional boost mode available to achieve the machine’s maximum power.

Built to reduce strain over prolonged use, both tools have a comfortable carrying system which distributes the weight of the machine across your shoulders and hips, allowing for maximum comfort.

With STIHL’s Noise Reduction System built in, the machine offers reduced noise as well as a tuned sound to make them less intrusive when used in public areas, allowing professional users to work productively at all times of day.

As STIHL’s first 72 V professional machines, the BRA 500 and BRA 600 draw energy simultaneously from two powerful AP System batteries. For maximum working time, STIHL’s AP 500 S battery packs are recommended.

Complete with an LED display, which details the mode the device is working in and battery charge levels, the tools can also be incorporated into STIHL’s Connected digital fleet management system.

The Connected system provides a detailed overview of all relevant machine data and provides the option to reduce the tool’s power remotely via the STIHL Connected app.  To facilitate use in the rain, both the BRA 500 and BRA 600 are IPX4-certified

To find out more about the STIHL BRA 500 and BRA 600, visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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Green-tech launches New GT Thorn Guard at Groundswell

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Green-tech launches New GT Thorn Guard at Groundswell: Green-tech, the UK’s leading supplier of tree protection and landscaping products, has announced the launch of GT Thorn Guard, a new protective guard designed to prevent damage to trees from grazing livestock.

Offering instant and effective protection for newly planted saplings and established trees, GT Thorn Guard will be officially launched on stand PF E6 at Groundswell 2025, the Regenerative Agriculture Festival in Hertfordshire, on 2nd and 3rd July.

Green-tech launches New GT Thorn Guard at Groundswell

Green-tech launches New GT Thorn Guard at Groundswell

The Groundswell Festival is a popular forum for farmers, landowners, and environmental professionals to explore regenerative farming practices, making it the ideal setting to launch the GT Thorn Guard.

Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and deer, can cause significant damage to trees in a short period. GT Thorn Guard has been developed specifically to deter even the largest livestock and ensure trees are protected to enable them to establish and thrive.

GT Thorn Guard is manufactured from high-quality galvanised steel, making it strong and built to withstand the rigours of agricultural environments. Supplied as flat grids for ease of transportation and storage, the guard is easily assembled on-site. Once rolled into shape, it forms a secure cylindrical barrier with outward-facing spikes positioned at regular intervals to deter livestock. This instant and effective solution provides reliable protection against cattle, sheep, deer, and other grazing animals, helping to ensure the successful establishment of trees.

Installation is straightforward and the guards can be assembled and installed around new or existing trees in just a few steps, offering a no-fuss solution for farmers and land managers looking to protect their planting projects.

Richard Gill, Green-tech’s Sales Director, comments, “The GT Thorn Guard is a practical solution to a widespread challenge. As we support more tree planting across the UK, especially on farms and estates, protecting that investment from livestock is critical. This new guard is simple to use, highly effective and built to last.”

Visit the Green-tech team on stand PF E6 at the Groundswell Festival to see the product and get technical advice and support on a wide range of tree planting and protection products.

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SGL expands LED grow lighting range

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SGL expands LED grow lighting range: SGL, global leader in pitch management solutions, announces the expansion of their LED grow lighting systems range: the LED60, LED30, and LED10. Developed and produced entirely in-house, these new products allow SGL to cater even more precisely to the needs of grounds teams—offering compact, user-friendly solutions for every situation.

Tailor-made solutions

As the turfgrass industry continues to evolve, so does the demand for adaptable and complete solutions. SGL aims to meet the full range of grounds teams’ needs with a product for every scenario. The introduction of the LED60, LED30, and LED10 ensures that a suitable lighting solution is available—whether for quick repairs in tight corners or broader turf recovery in high-wear zones.

SGL expands LED grow lighting range

SGL expands LED grow lighting range

Designed for performance and practicality

SGL undertook extensive research and development to optimise its existing LED product range. The result is a new line of lightweight, compact units built for frequent and efficient operation. A slim construction, combined with smart leg design and strategic SmartBox placement, ensures minimal shadowing beneath the unit and superior, uniform light distribution in all climates.

The separation of light and heat, an important function of LED grow lighting technology, is now available even in the smallest units, increasing efficiency while saving energy in the process.

All three models are fully developed and produced at SGL’s headquarters. With the opening of their new office, production processes are further streamlined—reinforcing SGL’s long-term vision for in-house innovation and growth.

Three models, three solutions

Although launched simultaneously, the LED60, LED30, and LED10 are distinct products, each designed for specific pitch conditions.

The new LED60 sets a benchmark in turf lighting performance. Designed to cover 60 m², it is the largest of the three compact models—ideal for high-wear zones such as goalmouths.

Compared to its predecessor, the LED50, the LED60 maintains the same compact dimensions while delivering 10 m² more coverage. This is made possible by a custom-engineered lens that ensures optimal light distribution.

What truly sets the LED60 apart:

  • Higher efficiency: With a state-of-the-art LED efficiency of 3.9 µmol/J, it delivers more light with less energy.
  • Lower weight: Nearly 100 kilograms lighter, making handling and deployment significantly easier.
  • Reduced cost: Despite its enhanced performance, the LED60 is available at a lower price, offering exceptional value.

The LED60 combines innovation and practicality—delivering more light, more coverage, and more efficiency, all while reducing operational costs.

The LED30 covers 30 m², offering the same advanced features in a smaller format. It’s well-suited for targeted recovery across the pitch, providing flexibility for grounds teams who want precise application in a compact, easy-to-handle unit.

The LED10 is the most compact unit model, covering 10 m², and is perfect for fast recovery in specific high-wear zones such as corners. Its two-leg rear design with wheels makes it especially easy to handle and reposition.

Connected to TurfBase

All three units are supported by SGL’s data management dashboard, TurfBase, which enables users to register lighting hours, remotely turn units on and off, or schedule timers to optimise the microclimate 24/7. All with the aim of maximising efficiency to achieve the best agronomical results with the lowest energy consumption.

With this launch, SGL expands its commitment to delivering precise, practical solutions—empowering grounds teams with the tools they need to maintain high-quality playing surfaces, no matter the challenge.

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