Tag Archive for: Howardson

Howardson Group Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility

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Howardson Group Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility: Howardson Group, home to market leading brands Dennis Mowers, Hunter Grinders, and SISIS Machinery, officially opened its new purpose-built facility, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and investment.

The new building, located on the original Howardson site in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, will serve as a central hub for office space, warehousing, and cutting-edge training facilities, further solidifying Howardson’s commitment to training, education and customer support within the sector.

Howardson Group Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility

Howardson Group Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility

The grand opening commenced with an exclusive press day, offering attendees a unique and engaging experience. Members of the trade media were invited to participate in a variety of activities, including archery, rifle shooting, and clay shooting, fostering a memorable and interactive environment.

The following day, the official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place, with Managing Director Megan Oliver formally inaugurating the impressive new building. Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a tour of the modern facility, showcasing its advanced design and capabilities.

A key highlight of the event was a comprehensive round table discussion featuring the Howardson Group’s senior management team. Managing Director Megan Oliver, alongside representatives from sales and marketing, engineering, and HR, engaged in an insightful dialogue with the press. Discussions covered a wide range of pertinent subjects, including future product developments, the company’s enhanced training provisions, broader industry trends, and the market perception and future developments of the esteemed Howardson brands.

“This new building represents a pivotal moment for the Howardson Group,” stated Megan Oliver, Managing Director. “It is a tangible demonstration of our unwavering commitment to continued investment in infrastructure, equipment, and new products. This state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance our operational efficiency but also provide an exceptional environment for our team and customers. We are confident that this investment will future-proof our business for years to come, enabling us to continue leading the way in the industry.”

The new Howardson Group building underscores the company’s dedication to providing top-tier machinery and support to the sector globally, reinforcing its position as an industry leader.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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Howardson launches new Dennis Gang Mowers

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Howardson launches new Dennis Gang Mowers: Howardson Group is proud to introduce the latest addition to its Dennis brand: the Dennis Gang Mowers, a new range of precision-engineered gang mowers designed to provide a superior cut across large areas.

Built with simplicity, durability, and efficiency in mind, the Dennis Gang Mowers offer an exceptional solution for maintaining expansive turf surfaces.

Howardson launches new Dennis Gang Mowers

Howardson launches new Dennis Gang Mowers

Each individual cylinder boasts a 30” (760mm) cutting width, ensuring a fast and uniform cut.

The standard model, featuring a 190mm diameter cutting cylinder, is ideal for sports turf applications such as golf fairways, cricket outfields, football and rugby pitches, as well as ornamental landscapes. For semi-rough and amenity spaces, the Giant model comes equipped with a larger 250mm diameter cutting cylinder.

Designed for versatility, the Dennis Gang Mowers can be towed as a single unit or configured in sets of three or five cylinders.

They can be easily attached to a compact tractor, ride-on mower, or ATV, with a minimum towing requirement of 20hp for sets of three and five cylinders.

Engineered for stability and balance, the mowers deliver a quality cut without bouncing, and their robust construction allows them to perform consistently in both wet and dry conditions.

The innovative framework enables each cutting unit to follow ground undulations, ensuring an even and professional finish across the entire surface.

Unique Features of the Dennis Gang Mowers:

  • Available with cast iron or rubber wheels for enhanced adaptability
  • Easily dismantled for convenient transportation and storage
  • Cylinders available with 4, 6, or 9-bladed options to suit various cutting needs
  • Can perform in wet or dry conditions
  • Designed to allow each unit to follow undulations
  • An unrivalled combination of simple mechanics with high-quality engineering
  • Low lifetime ownership costs

The Dennis Gang Mowers are now available for purchase.

Howardson launches new Dennis Gang Mowers

Howardson launches new Dennis Gang Mowers

For further information or a no-obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis on 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on X and Instagram @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK.

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Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group

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Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group: After nearly five decades of dedicated service, Andy Walker, Field Support Manager at the Howardson Group, is set to retire, marking the end of an era for one of the industry’s most respected figures.

Andy’s journey began in 1976 when, aged just 16, he walked into the SISIS factory on a whim. When asked if he’d been sent from the job centre, he quickly said yes – even though he hadn’t. As luck would have it, the real candidate’s taxi never turned up, and Andy landed a one-month trial. It didn’t take long for him to “cut the mustard,” and he soon secured a permanent role.

Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group

Andy Walker Retires After 49 Years the Howardson Group

From humble beginnings on the shop floor, Andy’s ambition quickly became apparent. A chance conversation with a manager at a nearby engineering site led to an opportunity in the design engineering department, where Andy thrived. While working full-time, he also completed a five-year engineering course at Stockport Technology College and was later promoted to department manager.

In 1983, Andy took a new path into sales – a move that would define much of his career. After twelve years, he stepped into the role of Product Evaluation Manager, using his deep technical knowledge to test and refine new equipment before it went to market. By 2009, he had taken on the title of Field Support Manager – a role in which he became a true ambassador for both the Dennis and SISIS brands.

When SISIS was acquired by the Howardson Group in 2011, Andy welcomed the change. “It was the best thing that could have happened,” he said. “Dennis and SISIS complement each other perfectly. It was a natural fit, and we’ve only gone from strength to strength since.”

Andy’s career has taken him across the globe – from the UK’s bowling greens to Premier League football stadiums, and everywhere in between. He’s delivered product demonstrations, led mower seminars, and worked with clients from grassroots clubs to government ministers. He’s visited every continent – highlights include a visit to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and a memorable trip to Alcatraz during a stateside demo tour.

One of his proudest achievements was working closely with Manchester City FC. As a lifelong City fan, being part of that project was a personal and professional highlight. “It was a lot of back and forth, a lot of tweaking and testing, but we got there. They ordered over 20 machines.”

Beyond the travel and product launches, it’s the people that have made the journey worthwhile. “It’s a lovely industry to work in,” Andy reflected. “You meet such a range – from people at local bowling greens to heads of sports facilities all over the world. And I’ve been lucky to work with some great colleagues who’ve become lifelong friends.”

Among those he’s closest to is Ben Lloyd, who Andy’s worked alongside for over 20 years. “I’ve probably spent more time with him than anyone else in recent years. We’ve shared some graft, plenty of laughs – and I’ll leave it at that!”

But when asked who deserves the biggest thank you, Andy’s answer is simple: his wife, Linda. “She’s the one who made it all possible. In the early years, I’d be away for three months of the year. With two young daughters at home, she held everything together. I owe her everything.”

As he steps into retirement, Andy plans to thank Linda properly – starting with a tour of the British coastline in their caravan, followed by road trips through France and Spain. “It’s time for our own adventure,” he says.

Andy leaves behind an incredible legacy – 49 years, countless miles travelled, and a lasting impact on turf care both at home and abroad.

“I never dreaded going to work. That’s the truth of it. I’ve had a blast.”

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing

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Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing: Howardson Group is pleased to welcome Darren McMahon as the new Head of Marketing.

Darren’s career has spanned several industries, with roles at Aga-Rangemaster, Valor Fires, and, most recently, Viessmann, a family-owned German company where he spent 14 years leading UK marketing, training, and public affairs. His extensive background in high-quality product manufacturing and customer-focused marketing makes him a perfect fit for Howardson Group, which includes the Dennis, SISIS, Hunter Grinders, and Syn-Pro by SISIS brands.

Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing

Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing

Speaking about what attracted him to the role, Darren said:

“As a family-owned business, decisions are made for the long term. There’s a very high drive for product quality, which I believe is extremely important. Customers should receive the very best product that we can manufacture, and the product should do the job for which it’s purchased. To support these products in the Dennis, Hunter Grinder, SISIS, and Syn-Pro ranges, there’s a crystal-clear focus on delivering the kind of service our customers would expect from a premium business.”

Since joining, Darren has already had an immersive introduction to the industry. Within his first five weeks, he attended three major exhibitions in the UK and USA, met with dealers, customers, and industry experts, and even got hands-on experience using Dennis and SISIS machines on both natural and synthetic surfaces.

“I think I joined at the best time to get a good feel for the company and the industry,” Darren said. “It’s been incredibly busy, but I have a growing appreciation for the hard work that goes into the preparation and maintenance of playing surfaces by groundscare professionals and how difficult the job is.”

Darren’s vision for the role focuses on two key objectives:

“I can break my objectives down into two areas,” Darren explained. “First, is to protect the historic legacy that’s gone into building the brand perceptions and reputations of today as a result of the hard work of others up to this point. Second, it’s to use that strong base to support further expansion of the Howardson Group, both locally in the UK and Irish markets and more internationally around the world where there are further opportunities for high-quality machines coupled with superior service.”

Away from work, Darren is an avid cyclist, finding peace in long countryside rides.

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than getting on my road bike on a crisp day, heading into the countryside, and enjoying the beautiful country we live in but usually take for granted rushing from one place to another,” he shared.

Howardson Group is excited to have Darren on board and looks forward to his contributions in driving the company’s growth while upholding its legacy of quality and service.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge

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Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge: A team from Howardson Group is preparing to take on the formidable National Three Peaks Challenge in memory of their much-missed colleague, Joe Emery, who sadly passed away in July last year.

The challenge will see the team scaling the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours, all in support of the British Heart Foundation.

Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge

Howardson Group Staff Take on National Three Peaks Challenge

A gentle Giant

Joe was a cherished member of the Howardson Group family, working in the warehouse and factory. Known as a true “gentle giant,” Joe was deeply respected and admired by all who knew him.

He was a well-known figure in the cricketing world, always cheerful, kind, and willing to lend a helping hand.

His hardworking and honest nature made him an integral part of the team, and his intelligence shone through as a member of the winning quiz team at Howardson’s 2024 event.

Joining the Howardson team for the challenge are Mark Willerton, Sales Manager from Russell Groundcare, and Paul Thompson, Head Groundsperson at Derby County FC.

A Demanding Journey

Together, they will be guided by Mountain Bear Adventures as they take on this demanding journey.

Taking place on the 5th and 6th of June, the National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing a total of 3,064 meters (10,052 feet) over 23 miles (37 km), with a gruelling 462 miles of driving between peaks. The mountains they will tackle are:

  • Ben Nevis (Scotland) – 1,345m
  • Scafell Pike (England) – 978m
  • Snowdon (Wales) – 1,085m

Supporting The British Heart Foundation

This extraordinary effort is a testament to the impact Joe had on those around him.

Howardson Group is proud to support the British Heart Foundation through this fundraising effort. Donations will go towards life-saving research and support for those affected by heart conditions.

To support the team and donate to the cause, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/howardson-3peakchallenge

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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