Toro Company hits ten-year landmark

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Toro Company hits ten-year landmark: The Toro Company has reinforced its commitment to helping advance sustainability in and through golf by extending its ten-year strategic global partnership with the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation.

For many years The Toro Company has been a leader in golf’s sustainability movement – targeting research and development into new knowledge, ideas and product innovation – particularly in the advancement of water stewardship, hybrid and electric technology, lower emissions, and fuel efficiency.

Toro Company hits ten-year landmark

Toro Company hits ten-year landmark

In parallel, The Toro Company’s sustainability efforts extend to golf courses and organisations, and through The Toro Company Foundation Giving Program, The Toro Company has contributed consistently to sustainable golf advocacy, industry engagement, and development of knowledge, programs and tools.

Kelli Jerome, Executive Director of GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, said: “The combination of The Toro Company’s leadership, support and influence has been fundamental to helping accelerate sustainability across the professional and amateur sides of golf.  Add in how The Toro Company has built sustainability into many wider partnerships and sponsorships, plus investments in innovation and technology, and we can see that the company has made a hugely significant and globally relevant contribution to golf’s progress in conserving nature and resources, delivering value to communities around the world, and helping address issues such as climate change, water pressures and energy costs.”

Marnie K. Wells, President, The Toro Company Foundation, said: “As a company with a century-long tradition of providing evolving solutions and support to the global golf sector, The Toro Company has sought to deliver genuinely cutting-edge equipment and wider knowledge to golf course managers. Our goal is to extend our values and clear responsibility to the environment and communities into solutions that lead to tangible impacts in carbon reduction, water stewardship, noise and air pollution in golf greenspaces worldwide.  Working with partners like GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, with such a clearly aligned mission and purpose, is another way we can contribute to making golf the most sustainable of all sports.”

The Toro Company’s support for GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation over the past decade has, alongside other partners and supporters, delivered an accelerating range of tangible outcomes, including:

  • A dedicated, accredited and endorsed system for sustainable golf comprising standards; online programs; verification; certification and data-driven reporting and claims.
  • A highly accessible, easy and productive pathway for grassroots clubs to engage in – from the Sustainable Golf Pledge, to OnCourse program, to Annual Sustainable Golf Scorecards, to third party certification and promotion.
  • A Sustainable Golf Highlightsknowledge sharing hub, already with over 2000 tried and tested examples of sustainable golf in action.
  • A suite of custom-built carbon calculators for golf facilities; tournaments and organisations
  • A special ‘Sustainable Golf Champion’ program for professional golfers

At the close of 2023, sustainable golf strategies, programs and tools, certification and impact reporting were being utilised in over 70 countries – involving associations; facilities; new developments; tournaments; companies.  Over 600,000 Sustainable Golf Indicators are being tracked in the Sustainable Golf Database, stewarded with and for golf bodies.

Looking forward The Toro Company and GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation will be continuing to develop and provide these non-profit programs, tools and guidance to the sport, plus will pull through more case studies and examples of how The Toro Company solutions are driving a more efficient, popular and sustainable future for facilities.

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Polaris receives the Future Farming Award

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Polaris receives the Future Farming Award: Polaris is proud to be named the winner of the Future Farming award at the LAMMA Innovation Awards 2024 with its all-new, all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic UTV. The Ranger’s 80-mile range, electric engine and impressive cargo box capacity were key contributing factors to this achievement. 

Richard Coleby, National Sales Manager at Polaris UK and Ireland said: “Winning this award is something that we are really proud of, the Ranger XP Kinetic is a vehicle that has been highly anticipated by both new and existing customers and to now have the LAMMA Innovation Award is a credit to Polaris’ forward-thinking and innovative approach to product development.”

Polaris receives the Future Farming Award

Polaris receives the Future Farming Award

Relaunched in 2018, the LAMMA Innovation Awards are well respected amongst manufacturers, distributors and consumers alike, showcasing innovation and development specifically within the agricultural sector.

“We always look forward to attending LAMMA,” continued Richard, “It is consistently an exceptional event and this year we got to debut the Ranger XP Kinetic to the record-breaking agricultural audience in attendance, making it all the more special.”

Making its first UK debut at LAMMA 2024, the RANGER XP Kinetic provides unmatched horsepower and torque, pushing the industry forwards thanks to its all-electric powertrain which has been engineered for off road use through Polaris’ 10-year partnership with Zero Motorcycles. Featuring a towing capacity of 1,134kg and boasting an industry-best 680kg payload capacity, the Ranger XP Kinetic delivers uncompromised capability.  Thanks to being fully electric, the RANGER XP Kinetic also delivers smooth, precise control when operating at low speeds, especially useful in scenarios like towing or backing up to a trailer.

The Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic is available in a Premium and Ultimate trim. The Premium trim offers a 14.9 kWh Lithium-Ion Battery with up to 45 Miles Estimate Range whilst the  Ultimate trim delivers  29.8 kWh of battery capacity and offers an estimated range of 80 miles. Both the RANGER XP Kinetic Premium and RANGER XP Kinetic Ultimate are available in dealers now.

Until the 31st March 2024, customers can purchase the Ranger XP Kinetic with Polaris’ 0% Finance Hire Purchase offer to spread the cost over two years. For more information, please contact your local dealer.

For further media information on Polaris ORV products, please contact the Polaris ORV Media Office at +44 (0) 1525 270100 or email us at press@polaris-orv.media

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Fibresand success at Colliers Park

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Fibresand success at Colliers Park: Colliers Park National Football Development Centre, located in Wrexham, is a premier facility dedicated to the development and training of football talents. One key figure contributing to the success of Colliers Park is James Mathewson, the Head Groundsperson, who has brought his extensive experience to improve the quality of the pitches.

James’ journey in the world of grounds management began at the Honourable Artillery Company in London, where he gained valuable experience. His passion and skills led him to work at renowned football clubs such as West Ham United FC and Arsenal FC, spending four years at Arsenal’s training ground in London Colney. Following the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, James took on the role of Deputy Head Groundsperson at Northampton Saints before the opportunity to work at Colliers Park arose, and he has been contributing to the Centre’s success for the past 18 months.

Fibresand success at Colliers Park

Fibresand success at Colliers Park

Mansfield Sand is a reputable company known for providing high-quality products and solutions for turf management. With a history of delivering market leading sand products, Mansfield Sand has become a trusted partner for groundspersons and turf professionals.

At Colliers Park, James implements Mansfield Sand’s Fibresand for the renovation of the pitches. The Fibresand pitch, now four years old, has proven to be a game-changer in terms of performance and durability. James stated, “I used them for my first renovation I did here, and the rest is history. We topped up 150 tonnes of Fibresand, and it has been regularly topped up since it first came in.”

James highlights several advantages of Fibresand over traditional soil-based pitches. “The Fibresand pitch offers superior drainage, holds together better, and minimises the risk of chunks being kicked out during play. Additionally, the ease of damage repair and quick recovery contributes to a healthier pitch, ultimately allowing for increased usage.”

Gary Cunningham, Sport & Landscape Sales Manager for Mansfield Sand, plays a crucial role in maintaining the performance of the Fibresand pitch. James explains, “Gary comes in every year to core sample the pitch for a fibre content reading, reports back if a top up is required or not and then we go from there.” This collaborative effort ensures that the pitch remains in optimal condition, with regular assessments and top-ups as needed.

James’ expertise and the use of Mansfield Sand’s Fibresand products have significantly contributed to the success at Colliers Park National Football Development Centre. The Fibresand pitch not only provides a superior playing surface but also offers long-term advantages in terms of durability and maintenance.

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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Game-changer from Foley

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Game-changer from Foley: It isn’t often that a completely new product is introduced into the market which will be a complete game-changer, but that is exactly what has happened at the 2024 BTME exhibition in Harrogate.

The Foley 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder brings a whole new meaning to quick spin. It is designed to accommodate the widest of mower cylinders and is a simple roll-on roll-off solution to grinding, with the machine sitting at floor level. The wheel in and wheel out action removes all need for heavy lifting facilities, revolutionising the way the groundsman and greenkeepers view touch-up spin grinding. Foley Company’s Professional Grinders already offer the best spin and relief methods for sharpening blades and the new Foley 642 Quick Spin grinder will be complimentary to these methods. It offers a fast, easy operated option for providing a quick touch-up spin, between the regular relief grinding schedules. It is also the perfect solution to sharpening the extra wide, heavy mowers used on sports fields/pitches, which are often cumbersome to load into the standard grinder.

Game-changer from Foley

Game-changer from Foley

Last week Paul Rauker, CEO and President of Foley Company had made the trip to Harrogate to support Foley Company the launch of the world’s first ever professional floor level roll-on, roll-off grinder. ‘This is truly a remarkable occasion’ said Paul. ‘The 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder is the first of its kind and I’m delighted to be here to acknowledge the significance of our latest development. It is a machine that will appeal to all grounds professionals who are looking to improve the performance and efficiency of their grinding programmes. As the leading manufacturer of Grinding equipment Foley Company is onceagain leading the way in grinding technology. We have developed and patented simple to use controls to save time without compromising on performance.

The patented clamping system effortlessly secures any cutting unit in all configurations and the roller clamp is adjustable for any variety of rollers and groomers. This machine really will change the way we look at grinding in the future!’

The Foley 642 Quick-Spin features simple to use controls, counter balanced spin drive, patented front and rear clamping system for pedestrian mowers and power rear positioning levers for cylinders. It is spin only, with adjustable traverse speed and adjustable spin speed. It will accept up to 42” reel width and operates on 240v/15a power.

Foley Company are looking to supply production models will be available later this year.

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Complete Weed Control bolsters sales function

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Complete Weed Control bolsters sales function: Complete Weed Control, the longest established amenity weed control company in the UK and Ireland, has announced significant additions to its sales team with the appointment of Mark Pyrah as sales director and Simon Pannell as group sales director.

Mark Pyrah brings a wealth of experience to the role having held a leadership position at ICL, as well as overseeing the team at Amega Sciences. His extensive career within the sector spans nearly four decades, contributing to his deep understanding of the intricacies of the industry.

Complete Weed Control bolsters sales function

Complete Weed Control bolsters sales function

Regarding his move to Complete Weed Control, Mark expressed enthusiasm for the well-respected business, citing a positive and productive working relationship with the company’s leadership. He emphasised the robust service offering, consistency across the network and the commitment to delivering high standards as key factors that attracted him to the organisation.

Mark’s new role within Complete Weed Control will focus on cultivating customer relationships, attracting new contracts and negotiating deals with suppliers. He plans to spend time with individual regional managers to understand their challenges, aiming to facilitate joined-up solutions across the organisation. Mark also looks forward to meeting customers and aiding expansion into new markets.

Highlighting challenges facing the sector, Mark pointed to increasing regulations over spraying activity and sees an opportunity for Complete Weed Control to champion advancements, such as the use of WEEDit technology, to promote best practice.

Joining the team alongside Mark Pyrah, Simon Pannell assumes the role of group sales director, bringing a wealth of experience dating back to 1998. Simon’s proven track record includes significant growth achieved in various roles with Litterboss, CC Cousins, MITIE Landscapes, Integritas Landscapes, John O’Conner GM and at Countrywide GM, where he served as national accounts sales director.

Simon expressed his passion for building relationships and underscored the importance of understanding customer challenges. His goal is to target new business opportunities across the UK, catering to the diverse needs of customers.

The appointments of Mark Pyrah and Simon Pannell signal a strategic move by Complete Weed Control to further solidify its position as the leading player in the amenity weed control industry.

Ian Graham, managing director of Complete Weed Control shared his enthusiasm regarding the dual appointments, stating: “We are confident that the addition of Mark and Simon to our team will greatly enhance our growth trajectory. Their combined experience and deep understanding of the industry will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success.”

He added: “Our nationwide presence aligns seamlessly with the requirements of businesses operating across multiple locations, and this new director-level appointment underscores our commitment to prioritising and fostering relationships with such entities.”

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