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Redexim and Russells Groundcare Strengthen Partnership

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Redexim and Russells Groundcare Strengthen Partnership: Redexim and Russells Groundcare have announced a significant expansion of their long-standing partnership, with Russells now taking on responsibility for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in addition to their existing Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire territory.

This development represents a natural evolution of a relationship built on trust, shared standards, and strong aftersales support.

Redexim and Russells Groundcare Strengthen Partnership

Redexim and Russells Groundcare Strengthen Partnership

For Redexim, the decision to widen Russells’ area was an easy one. Andy O’Neil, Regional Manager at Redexim, has known the Russells team for years and worked opposite them before working alongside them.

“I used to work for a company that competed with Russells daily for six years, so I know them very, very well,” Andy explains. “In the four years since they’ve become a Redexim partner, we’ve never had any issues. They’re professional and they’re well known and well thought of by their customers. There was nobody else we wanted to go to for covering the area.”

For Russells Groundcare, the expansion presents a major opportunity to strengthen their offering to professional turf customers across the region. Sales Manager Mark Willerton says the chance to take on a larger territory aligned perfectly with their own ambitions.

“The opportunity came to expand our area – having the franchise for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire already, this opportunity arose and we grabbed it with both hands,” Mark says. “Redexim is a long-established brand. The Verti-Drain is so well known. Everyone refers to whatever aerator they have as a Verti-Drain. It’s the original and the best in the market.

Taking on the wider Redexim range gives us some unique products we’ve not had before, and it’s an exciting opportunity.”

Among those new additions to the Russells portfolio, Mark expects two stand-out lines to immediately resonate with their customer base.

“One product we’ve never had before is the Overseeder, which – especially with these dry summers – is becoming a much more popular machine. The Verti-Drain and the Redexim Overseeder excite us the most. They’re really going to boost things for us.”

Both companies agree that the extended partnership isn’t just about product reach – it’s about strengthening support for end users. Redexim has highlighted improved customer service as a key benefit of Russells’ expanded remit, something Mark is proud to echo.

“We really pride ourselves on our aftersales service,” he explains. “You sell the first machine, but you earn the chance to sell the second one based on your aftersales support. That’s something we’re absolutely focused on.”

The close working relationship between the two teams will only deepen as Russells move into their new territory. “We’re looking forward to getting out there with Andy and the Redexim team and doing some demonstrations,” says Mark.

With shared values, complementary strengths, and a unified commitment to exceptional customer care, the expansion signals a powerful next chapter in the Redexim–Russells partnership – one built firmly on collaboration.

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

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ICL and Syngenta Extend Partnership

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ICL and Syngenta Extend Partnership: ICL and Syngenta have renewed their strategic partnership supporting turf professionals in the UK and Ireland and other European turf markets, extending a long-standing collaboration focused on research, product innovation and practical support for the industry.

The renewed agreement covers turf and landscape markets including the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Austria and Spain. The agreement brings together Syngenta’s research pipeline with ICL’s established technical and distribution networks across these markets, supported by local expertise in each country.

ICL and Syngenta Extend Partnership

ICL and Syngenta Extend Partnership

The partnership builds on the complementary strengths of both organisations, with a shared focus on turf science, integrated turf management and practical innovation. It reflects a continued commitment to collaboration, clarity and aligned solutions that support the evolving needs of turf professionals across the UK and Ireland.

“We’re looking forward to building on the success of this partnership as we prepare to introduce a new generation of Syngenta products in 2026 and beyond,” said Mehdi Ibenbrahim, Syngenta Professional Solutions Commercial Head for Europe. “These launches will bring fresh solutions to turf professionals across Europe, with a strong focus on performance, sustainability and science-led innovation.”

The collaboration has consistently supported the industry through initiatives such as the Turf Rewards programme and Turf Science Live, an event series that brings practical research, product insight and technical knowledge directly to turf professionals.

Stephen Squires, VP, ICL Regional Business Lead, Turf & Ornamental, said:

“Our partnership with Syngenta has long supported turf managers in the UK and Ireland by combining strong research with practical technical support. Renewing this agreement allows us to continue bringing new innovations to the market while supporting customers with the local expertise and advice they rely on.”

Looking ahead, the agreement will support the introduction of new Syngenta products in 2026 and beyond. These innovations will focus on advancing turf health, improving resource efficiency and helping turf managers address emerging agronomic challenges across a wide range of conditions. Continued investment in research, technical training and industry support will remain central to the partnership.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.com

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Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

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Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads: At Crowborough Beacon Golf Club, Course Manager Luke Jenkins has been achieving exceptional results using BASF’s Attraxor®, a plant growth regulator supplied by Agrovista Amenity.

Containing the active ingredient prohexadione-calcium, Attraxor has become a key part of Luke’s turf management programme, helping him achieve smoother, more consistent greens and a better balance of grass species across the site.

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

Luke, who has been Course Manager at Crowborough Beacon for four and a half years, first came across Attraxor through conversations with Andrew Norman from Agrovista Amenity.

Intrigued by the dual promise of growth regulation and seed-head suppression – and the fact it blended well with the biologicals Luke already uses – he trialled it on the greens and was impressed almost immediately.

“Andrew kept mentioning Attraxor for both growth control and seed-head suppression, and it really ticked a lot of boxes. I started using it and instantly started seeing a difference,” Luke explains.

Seed-head suppression that improves consistency

One of the most obvious benefits for Luke has been the dramatic reduction in seed-head size and frequency – a critical improvement for green speed and consistency.

“You don’t get the big, juicy seed heads you used to get – they’re much smaller,” he says. “We don’t get the white, bobbly greens in the spring that affect roll and speed. Even in a tough seed-head year we had minimal issues compared with other courses nearby.”

Attraxor inhibits a key growth hormone, gibberellic acid, leading to consistent reductions in both shoot growth and flowering. This helps deliver a more consistent surface for golfers and reduces the variability that can make putting unpredictable.

Fast, flexible growth regulation

Attraxor activates on contact with water in the spray tank and begins to regulate growth in as little as four hours – a speed of action Luke values.

“It’s a two-in-one for me: growth regulation including seed-head suppression. I apply it every 21 days and try to get the first treatment on early – because the earlier you start, the better the results,” he says.

Luke typically applies Attraxor around 500 g/ha now and has found it provides consistent regulation across species and cutting heights. That flexibility makes it suitable for the fine turf demands at Crowborough Beacon’s greens, and he notes it keeps growth manageable even when granular feeds are applied.

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

Attraxor helps refine greens and tame seed heads

Health, density and integrated use

Beyond seed-head suppression and reduced mowing, Attraxor contributes to improved sward density and healthier roots – outcomes that help turf resist both abiotic stresses and disease pressures.

Crucially for Luke’s programme, Attraxor mixes well with many of the biological products and foliar inputs he uses, allowing it to slot into an integrated strategy that emphasises plant health as well as growth management.

Practical, value-driven performance

For a club with limited resources and no fairway irrigation, reliable, low-rate chemistry that delivers predictable results is essential. Luke highlights Attraxor’s cost effectiveness at such small application rates.

“For the price and the quantity you use, it’s excellent value. I wouldn’t be without it now – 100%. Even if you only want seed-head suppression, it’s worth a trial.”

Luke encourages other course managers to test Attraxor on their sites, particularly where Poa seed heads and variable green speed are issues. For Crowborough Beacon, the product has become a key part of keeping greens consistent and playable while supporting the wider restoration and improvement programme Luke is leading.

“If it works on your site like it does on ours, it’ll earn a permanent place in your shed,” he concludes.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit https://amenity.agrovista.co.uk/

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Husqvarna and The R&A shortlisted for major awards

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Husqvarna and The R&A shortlisted for major awards: Husqvarna, the world leader in robotic mowers, and The R&A, golf’s global governing body outside of the USA and Mexico, have been shortlisted in two of the sports industry’s most respected awards programmes following their pioneering autonomous mowing activation at the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl.

The collaboration between The R&A and Husqvarna has been named a finalist in the Best Use of Cutting-edge Technology category at the 2026 European Sponsorship Association Awards and the Tech in Sport Award at the Sport Industry Awards. Both nominations recognise the groundbreaking deployment of Husqvarna’s robotic mowing technology across all 18 fairways during a major championship, marking the first time The R&A entrusted an entire fairway operation to autonomous machines.

Husqvarna and The R&A shortlisted for major awards

Husqvarna and The R&A shortlisted for major awards

The project was delivered in close collaboration with the late Royal Porthcawl course manager, Ian Kinley, and his greenkeeping team. Ian, who passed away earlier this year, was instrumental in championing the integration of autonomous mowing at championship level. A widely respected figure within the profession, he led the preparation of the course with characteristic vision, humility and attention to detail.

At Royal Porthcawl, a fleet of 15 robotic mowers, including Husqvarna CEORA units and Automower 580L EPOS models, worked overnight in the build up to and throughout championship week. Monitored via Husqvarna Fleet Services and supported daily by technicians, the machines delivered consistent, championship-standard conditions while enabling the greenkeeping team to focus on detailed presentation work across greens, tees, and approaches.

Jonathan Snowball, Head of Professional Development at Husqvarna, said: “To be recognised by both the European Sponsorship Association and the Sport Industry Awards is a powerful endorsement of what was achieved at the AIG Women’s Open. This was live championship delivery at the highest level of professional sport, demonstrating how autonomous technology can support elite performance while respecting the craft and expertise of greenkeepers.”

Daniel Lightfoot, Director – Sustainable Golf at The R&A, said: “At the AIG Women’s Open, The R&A’s collaboration with Husqvarna and the integration of its robotic mower portfolio enabled us to deliver high performance surfaces in a sustainable way through improved resource management, consistent lightweight mowing, and reduced carbon usage. We are proud that this innovative initiative has been recognised through these award nominations, reflecting our shared commitment to sustainability and performance excellence.”

The ESA Awards celebrate best-in-class sponsorship campaigns across Europe, while the Sport Industry Awards recognise excellence across brands, rights holders, and suppliers. Together, the dual nominations reinforce Husqvarna’s position at the forefront of autonomous innovation within global sport.

The winners of the 2026 ESA Awards will be announced on Thursday 12 March, with the Sport Industry Awards ceremony taking place later in the year.

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SiMa.ai and STIGA S.p.A. Announce Strategic Partnership

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SiMa.ai and STIGA S.p.A. Announce Strategic Partnership: STIGA S.p.A., the leading European manufacturer and distributor of garden machinery and equipment, and SiMa Technologies Inc., the Physical AI company, today announced a strategic partnership to bring AI-powered solutions to robotic lawnmowers. STIGA will lead the industry with real-time decision-making on an ultra-low latency and power draw platform from SiMa, providing a scalable solution architecture for all robotic lawnmower products – domestic and commercial.

STIGA has established itself as a leader in lawn and garden technology, known for combining engineering excellence with practical, user-friendly design. From classic lawn mowers to state-of-the-art autonomous robotic solutions, STIGA continues to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering products that set the standards for precision, performance, and reliability in the industry. Emerging technologies like Physical AI are transforming the capabilities of autonomous devices. By embedding intelligence directly into machines, Physical AI enables devices to perceive, decide, and act independently in real-world environments. For STIGA’s robotic lawn mowers, this represents the potential for even smarter, more adaptive, and highly efficient operation. SiMa.ai is a leader in this field, providing low-power machine-learning system-on-chip (MLSoC) platforms and software that enable intelligent edge devices to run advanced AI workloads efficiently, without the need for high power consumption — a key requirement in a consumer device.

SiMa.ai and STIGA S.p.A. Announce Strategic Partnership

SiMa.ai and STIGA S.p.A. Announce Strategic Partnership

“This partnership represents a major step forward in delivering real-world AI to edge devices,” said Krishna Rangasayee, Founder and CEO of SiMa.ai. “By joining forces with STIGA, we’re removing the traditional complexity of edge AI and empowering STIGA with solutions that perform effortlessly—without compromise.”

STIGA’s leadership in autonomous garden solutions, combined with the advancements of Physical AI and the sophisticated hardware and software platforms from SiMa.ai, is shaping the next generation of smart outdoor equipment. These technologies demonstrate how autonomous devices can operate with greater precision, responsiveness, and efficiency, setting a new standard for intelligent machinery.

“At STIGA, innovation is at the heart of everything we do,” commented Sean Robinson, CEO of STIGA S.p.A. “Partnering with SiMa.ai allows us to push the boundaries of what autonomous machinery can achieve. By integrating Physical AI into our robotic lawn mowers, we’re delivering a new benchmark of intelligence and performance. How the robot senses, decides, and operates lies firmly within STIGA’s capabilities and expertise. The way these operations are delivered with low power consumption is where SiMa.ai technology truly excels — allowing the robots to achieve much more with the battery power available. This results in lighter, more efficient, and cost-effective intelligence. It’s a great example of what two experts in their fields can achieve through engineering-driven collaboration. And the real winner is the robot owner, who gets significantly more use from their machine”.

About SiMa.ai 

SiMa.ai is a pioneer in edge AI computing, developing innovative platforms that enable intelligent applications at the edge. The company’s Modalix platform delivers exceptional AI performance with industry-leading energy efficiency, making advanced AI capabilities accessible across diverse industries and applications such as robotics, smart vision, autonomous systems, and beyond. Founded by seasoned technology veterans, SiMa.ai is headquartered in San Jose, California. For more information, visit www.sima.ai.

About STIGA S.p.A. 

STIGA Group ranks among the leading European manufacturers and distributors of garden machinery and equipment. The Group consists of five brands, which together represent over 90 years of experience in the industry: in addition to the premium brand STIGA, the Group includes the brands Alpina, Mountfield, Castelgarden, and Atco. STIGA Group sells more than one million gardening machines every year and operates in 87 countries worldwide; with a workforce of more than 1,300 people, STIGA has three production plants in Italy, Slovakia and China. The Group also has 15 sales offices throughout Europe. For more information, visit www.stiga.com.

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