SALTEX 2025 builds momentum

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SALTEX 2025 builds momentum: SALTEX 2025 has officially wrapped with a confirmed attendance of 7,463, marking an increase on 2024 visitor numbers and reinforcing its position as the cutting-edge event for the grounds management industry.

With visitors from across Europe, Asia, the Americas and New Zealand to name a few, the show’s international reach continues to grow – and so does its impact.

SALTEX 2025 builds momentum

SALTEX 2025 builds momentum

This year’s SALTEX wasn’t just busy and vibrant on the show floor, but incredibly purposeful, too. Exhibitors reported a high volume of meaningful conversations with influential buyers and decision-makers, many of which may progress into commercial opportunities. From elite sports venues, such as 14 Premier League football clubs and over 75 golf clubs, to local authorities, private estates and educational institutions, the calibre of attendees mirrored a sector ready to invest.

Josh Keay, Greenkeeper at Blackwell Golf Club, said: “It’s been great, the education you get through Learning LIVE and the extracurricular activities you can do, all on top of networking – it’s a great place to catch up with people. It’s also a great opportunity to see how the industry is moving forward and how things can be useful to you.”

Over 50% of visitors said they attended SALTEX to source new machinery and technological advancements – and they weren’t disappointed. The show floor was alive with innovation, as a number of exhibitors used the event as a strategic launchpad for their latest products. Among them were AriensCo with the AS 920 ESherpa 2WD, SMG Machines introducing the TurfBoy TB1 Eco DC, Allett Ltd unveiling the LEDMASTER UVC 100, ISEKI showcasing its Raymo remote-controlled range, Rhenac presenting the RML 400 lighting product and Trimax launching its latest innovation, OptiAdjust. These are just a handful of the many new technologies revealed at SALTEX 2025, highlighting the show’s role as the go-to platform for product debuts and industry advancement.

Alan Prickett, Sales Director at ISEKI UK & Ireland, said: “We had a really good time celebrating our 100-year anniversary at the show, and very pleased with the visitor numbers. We like it here at the NEC – it’s a good atmosphere and it gives us the chance to put a proper stand up without having to worry about everything getting wet all the time.

“We like to support the GMA, they do very good work, and SALTEX is an important get together for the industry. It’s a great place to launch new products and we do always come away with actionable enquiries, and they lead to sales. We’ll keep coming back.”

The Learning LIVE programme attracted 1,038 attendees, making it one of the most visited features of the show. With sessions spanning seven key themes including Technical Insights, Sustainable Grounds Management, Careers and Skills Development, Innovation in Grounds, Case Studies and Best Practices, Funding and Resources and Hands-on Learning, the programme once again delivered practical, forward-thinking content for professionals and volunteers at every level.

Keynote speaker James Haskell drew a packed audience with his talk on elite mindset and performance, setting the tone for an unforgettable programme. Alongside him, a host of respected industry figures shared expertise and sparked discussion on the future of the profession.

“I love SALTEX and especially given the opportunity to speak about what I’m passion about, which is resilience and elite level mindset – It’s something I use in all areas of my life,” said James Haskell. “All the visitors here are so important to sport, and my Learning LIVE session seemed to resonate with them, which is great. Grounds management work has a lot of traditions to it, but innovation for me, is about looking at the best solutions and the best ways of working.”

SALTEX is unique in its mission: every penny of surplus is reinvested back into the grounds management industry. That means every exhibitor and visitor is directly contributing to the development of the profession including grassroots initiatives, workforce training, GMA membership and sector-wide advocacy.

Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association CEO, said: “SALTEX is a cornerstone of our industry. Every year it brings together the right people and the latest innovations that drive grounds management forward. What makes SALTEX truly unique is that at its core is an exhibition built by the few to serve the many. It’s had challenges such as COVID, new entrants, and defied decades of change built by grounds staff, providing a high quality and professional shop window for our sector and those that supply into it, those that work in it and those that elevate others – be that through education or agronomic advice it is a show truly by the industry, for the industry.

“That means when someone chooses to exhibit or attend SALTEX, they’re directly contributing to the future of the profession. This year’s event was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with purpose. The energy, the quality of conversations and the appetite for progress were clear across the show floor. Great business was done with numerous comments about the high quality of leads and connections. We changed it up and we have had a great response as a result. A great team effort all round.

“As we look ahead to our 80th edition in 2026, we can feel that we’re building momentum. SALTEX continues to be the beating heart of the grounds management community, and we’re proud to champion its growth both nationally and internationally. We are back at the NEC November 11-12th 2026 so put it in your diary and, if you missed out this year, sign up to exhibit or pay us a visit.”
Next year’s edition will be a landmark celebration, marking the 80th SALTEX. Taking place on 11-12 November 2026 at NEC Birmingham, it will honour eight decades of progress within the grounds management industry.

For updates and registration details, visit www.saltex.org.uk.

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The Drift renews with Toro

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The Drift renews with Toro: Over the last five years, The Drift in Surrey has invested over £2 million to bring in new facilities and improve the course in preparation for its 50th anniversary in 2025 and a key element of that process was the signing of a fleet lease deal with Toro and Reesink Turfcare.

Tom Parrish, General Manager at The Drift, provides an update on the works and what’s next for the impressive 18-hole championship course, as the club signs for another five years, in a dual deal with its sister club, Badgemore Park in Oxfordshire,

The Drift renews with Toro

The Drift renews with Toro

“The Drift and Badgemore Park have been in very similar situations in the last five years,” explains Tom. “We’ve both had 50th anniversaries that have been commemorated with extensive improvement and investment plans to the course. While the focus of the work has been different, the requirements for executing them to the best of our ability have been largely down to having the right turfcare equipment.”

When The Drift renewed with Toro last time, the success and results were so immediate and noticeable that its sister club Badgemore Park followed quickly into its own similar deal with Reesink. When renewal time came and with neither club wanting to change the set-up, a dual deal was brokered by Paul Bell at Reesink Turfcare.

“Working with partners who would ensure we had the best possible resources to do the work and complete the projects on time was vital and that’s why we chose Toro and Reesink as our preferred turfcare partners,” confirms Tom.

“It was the right decision. The course presentation continues to improve year on year, and we have more plans to ensure we continue to improve the quality of the golfing experience here at The Drift. We feel that with the improvements we have already seen, having Toro on side once again was the obvious choice.”

Investment at The Drift focused on making improvements to enhance the enjoyment, challenge and conditions for members and guests, Tom says: “In the last five years we’ve re-designed holes five, six and nine, making nine a new signature hole, as well as a complete bunker redevelopment project and the opening of our Top of the Range Academy and Driving Range powered by TrackMan.”

Having made the right machinery selection five years ago, little was changed as the club renewed. Tom says: “The core fleet remains the same, the quality of cut for the greens machines was so good we didn’t need to tweak this, but we have brought in additional equipment to support their good work – the GreensPro roller for example will further push the quality and speed of the putting surfaces, exactly what we’re aiming for.”

The fleet is led by three Toro Greensmaster TriFlex 3400 mowers famed for a precision finish, the lightweight Reelmaster 3575 for the fairways, and the Groundsmaster 3500 triplex rotary mower. There’s a new sprayer – the Multi Pro 1750 – as well as an update to the utility vehicle fleet with the Workman MDX-D. Tom adds: “We took the opportunity to bring on board an AgriMetal blower from Reesink too.”

With the 50-year celebrations underway what’s next for the club? “We feel we’re exactly where we wanted to be,” says Tom. “The clubhouse renovation and expansion are next on our list to ensure the improvements in the golf course are matched with the off-course experience as well. We continue to ensure we’re providing our members with a golf offering befitting a club with our history.”

Discover how choosing Toro could benefit your course by calling distributor Reesink UK on 01480 226800, emailing info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visiting reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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Hibernian FC Invests in Redexim Verti-Rake

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Hibernian FC Invests in Redexim Verti-Rake: Maintaining a top-class playing surface at Easter Road Stadium is no small task, but for Steven Thomas, Head Groundsman at Hibernian Football Club, having the right machinery is making all the difference. One of the latest additions to his maintenance fleet is the Redexim Verti-Rake – a tool he says is already proving invaluable.

“We’ve had the Verti-Rake for a few months now,” Steven explained. “For us, it was about maintaining the highest standard of turf possible. We were looking for an attachment that could rake the surface, keep our hybrid stitch clean, and clear out organic matter. Having looked at a few options, we felt the Verti-Rake was the best choice. It’s simple to use, easy to set up, and does exactly what we need.”

Hibernian FC Invests in Redexim Verti-Rake

Hibernian FC Invests in Redexim Verti-Rake

The Redexim Verti-Rake is designed for fast and effective thatch removal. Its spring tines work between the grass blades to loosen thatch, while adjustable tine angles allow operators to alter the aggression of the rake. Working depth can also be fine-tuned for perfect results. As well as helping to clean surfaces, the Verti-Rake can be used to create a seed bed ahead of overseeding.

Steven and his assistant Ronan use the rake regularly. “We tend to use it after every game,” he said. “It’s great for raking out organic matter and keeping the hybrid stitch upright. But it’s also weather dependent – we’ll assess the conditions and decide if it’s needed. What’s been clear so far is that every time we’ve used it, it’s easy to set up, easy to manoeuvre, and leaves the surface clean.”

He adds that the machine also has benefits for playability. “Earlier in the season, we felt the surface was maybe too dense for ball movement and traction. Once we put the rake through, followed by a rotary cut to tidy debris, you’d almost not know we’d been on the pitch. It leaves minimal disruption and keeps the surface playing really well.”

Ease of operation is a standout feature for Steven. “For me, the key feature is how easy it is to set up. It’s literally just a case of attaching it to the three-point linkage on the tractor and using the side levers to adjust the depth. It’s quick, simple, and effective.”

Steven also believes it is an exciting time for the Redexim brand right now. “I think they’re making a bit of a wave just now with new machinery. There’s a lot of innovation coming through, and we’ve had good support from Allen Whellans at Redexim too – he has always been on hand and supportive.”

Hibernian FC Invests in Redexim Verti-Rake

Hibernian FC Invests in Redexim Verti-Rake

The Verti-Rake now sits alongside other Redexim equipment in Steven’s fleet, and he sees clear benefits in how they complement each other. “As well as the Verti-Rake, we have a Verti-Drain, and they can work side by side. One can be raking while the other is aerating – they’re very much multipurpose and help us get the most from our maintenance programme.”

He also credits Hibernian FC for investing in the tools to allow his team to achieve high standards. “Over the last two years, the club has made a big investment in machinery, which gives us an advantage in producing the pitch we want. When I first joined, there were just two of us and limited resources. The progression since then has been massive. People rightly give credit to the groundstaff, but the club deserves huge credit too for backing us with the tools we need.”

With the Redexim Verti-Rake now firmly embedded in their maintenance regime, Steven and his team are well-equipped to keep Easter Road’s playing surface clean, healthy, and ready for action.

For more information, visit https://www.redexim.com/uk/

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Baroness delivers reliability and performance

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Baroness delivers reliability and performance: For over 20 years, Bristol’s Tall Pines Golf Club have relied on the consistency and quality of Baroness to keep their playing surfaces in pristine condition.

Head Greenkeeper Marc Rossiter currently runs a fleet of eight Baroness mowers to cut every blade of grass at the 18-hole course, praising the outstanding simplicity in operation and industry-leading reliability of cut the brand has delivered for over two decades.

Baroness delivers reliability and performance

Baroness delivers reliability and performance

Himself celebrating 30 years at the club next year, Marc knows firsthand the difference high-quality, reliable equipment makes. “Put simply, they cut better than anything we’ve used previously and the build quality with Baroness is brilliant. On our fairways, for example, we’re using the LM551B and have never had to change the bottom blade, whereas on other machines, you’d be changing it every season” he explains.

Running alongside the LM551B fairway mower is the GM2810A five-deck rough rotary mower, two LM315GC greens mowers, an LM331 for tees and surrounds, LM180 for banks and around trees and a pair of Baroness LM56GC hand mowers. “They all suit our situation really well” Marc adds. “Each machine gives us versatility, whether that’s working on different terrain and coping well with the course’s slopes and valleys or being able to easily adjust the height of cut to mow multiple areas, on different ground conditions, with one machine.”

“Our LM315GC greens mowers can also be equipped with rollers and scarifier cassettes, which we can quickly exchange with the cutting units and means we can conduct multiple maintenance operations saving both time and money.” Further budget-friendly benefits are brought about by the LM315’s cable-driven operation. “This not only reduces the risk of a hydraulic or oil leak but, in the 20 years we’ve had these machines, we’ve only had the occasional cable snap, reducing all-important downtime and costly repair bills.”

Marc continues, “The machines are not complicated or flashy, but they do exactly what we need them to do and that’s cut grass really well! The fact that there’s less to go wrong is a huge plus with us being a small team of five and not having our own dedicated mechanic.”

When support is needed, Marc and the team know they can call on local dealers Lister Wilder or their Baroness regional manager Paul Watson. “On the rare occasion we have a question or issue, the after-sales support is second-to-none. If it’s something that can’t be answered over the phone, someone will be with us that day or the next to get us back up and running nice and quickly.”

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New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution

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New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution: GKB are pleased to launch the next generation of their Deep-Clean machine, introduced in direct response to growing concern around microplastic pollution from artificial turf fields.

Featuring different sieve options to suit various infill types and a self-cleaning filter system, the Deep-Clean – developed in collaboration with SMG Sportplatzmaschinenbau – sieves, separates and collects microplastics with precision.

New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution

New GKB Deep-Clean to combat microplastic pollution

Recent research from the University of Barcelona has raised alarm after finding that up to 15% of the microplastics found in open water originate from artificial turf pitches. These particles, released via fibre wear and tear or from infill materials such as rubber and TBE, accumulate within the surface and eventually contaminate the environment via footfall, rainfall or maintenance activities.

The new GKB Deep-Clean directly addresses this issue, penetrating the surface to extract contamination such as broken fibres as well as smaller particulates nestled within the infill layer.

Redeveloping one of the most popular machines within GKB’s synthetic portfolio, the new Deep-Clean will be available with a 1.2m, 1.5m or 1.8m working widths – all offering effective dust extraction to collect dirt and microplastic contamination, and return clean infill granules back into the surface. Importantly, the unique cleaning system means that dirt automatically falls into the collection container, eliminating the need to replace filters which significantly reduces ongoing maintenance costs.

Its operation couldn’t be simpler. Brushes lift the fibre and infill, before passing the collected material through a vibrating sieve to separate the infill from both large and finer contaminants. The result is a cleaner, safer and more presentable pitch in just one pass.

The introduction of the Deep-Clean is the first major development in the strategic partnership between GKB Machines and SMG, formally announced in March 2025. The agreement sees GKB providing essential maintenance products to the German company and, likewise, market machines developed by SMG under the GKB brand for the combined benefit of customers around the world. Together, the focus is on providing practical, high-performance and sustainable solutions for the construction and maintenance of synthetic sports fields.

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