Tag Archive for: Invests

Agrovista Invests in Robotics & Expands Line Marking Team

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Agrovista Invests in Robotics & Expands Line Marking Team: Agrovista Amenity is enhancing its line marking capabilities with a major investment in robotic technology and key industry appointments.

As part of this strategy, the company has secured an exclusive partnership with XDC Autonomous Solutions for the distribution of the RM21 Combo Mower in the UK and Ireland. Alongside this, the appointment of David Mitchell as Line Marking Business Development Manager reinforces Agrovista Amenity’s commitment to innovation and expertise in the sector.

Agrovista Invests in Robotics & Expands Line Marking Team

Agrovista Invests in Robotics & Expands Line Marking Team

The RM21, distributed exclusively by XDC, is a game-changing piece of equipment that combines line marking and mowing in a single unit. Unlike traditional line marking robots or standalone mowers, the RM21 can autonomously cut and mark a pitch. Its modular design also includes a growing range of attachments, such as an automated dew brush, a grass collector, and a ball picker for driving ranges, making it a versatile asset for grounds teams across various sectors.

Dan Hughes, Agrovista Amenity’s Head of Commercial, highlighted the importance of this collaboration:

“After five years of growing our amenity, landscape, and consumer business, we identified line marking as an area where we could apply our expertise and leverage cutting-edge technology. The RM21 is not just a line marker – it’s a complete solution with the potential to revolutionise grounds management. Partnering with XDC ensures that we can bring this technology to market with the technical support, training, and after-sales service that our customers expect.”

Under the agreement, Agrovista Amenity will be the exclusive distributor and seller of the RM21, while XDC provides technical sales support, training, and service backup. This allows Agrovista Amenity to leverage its extensive network of over 40 representatives to promote the RM21 effectively, while XDC focuses on delivering expert technical assistance.

To strengthen its position in the line marking market, Agrovista Amenity has appointed David Mitchell as Line Marking Business Development Manager. With six years of experience at Linemark UK, a manufacturer of paint and machinery for line marking, David brings a deep understanding of the sector.

“I see this as an opportunity to develop a strong line marking offering with the right products and people. The RM21 is a fantastic machine, and with the expertise of XDC and Agrovista Amenity’s resources, we have a real opportunity to deliver a competitive, easy-to-use product that enhances operations.”

Matt Murray, XDC’s Director of Sales, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership and highlighted the RM21’s distinctive advantages:

“The RM21 is a truly unique product – the only combo line marking mower in the world. Not only does it offer significant time and cost savings, but its versatility opens up new possibilities for grounds management. With Agrovista Amenity’s established market presence and extensive sales network, we see this as the perfect opportunity to introduce this groundbreaking technology to a wider audience.”

David also highlighted the growing role of robotic technology in the industry: “The RM21 is not here to replace staff but to support them. Grounds teams face increasing demands, and automation can handle time-consuming tasks, allowing them to focus on more technical aspects of their work. The feedback we’ve received so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

Many customers who previously used other GPS line marking solutions have made the switch, recognising the RM21’s superior value for money and future-proof capabilities.”

Agrovista Amenity’s investment in robotics is part of a long-term strategy to provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of grounds teams. While the initial focus is on the RM21, discussions are already underway to explore the potential for offering a wider range of robotic solutions in the future.

As Agrovista Amenity continues to expand its line marking division and explore new technologies, the company remains committed to delivering solutions that combine innovation, efficiency, and reliability.

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

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Al Zorah Invests in Sustainable Toro Technology

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Al Zorah Invests in Sustainable Toro Technology: Al Zorah Golf Club, a Troon-managed facility, has made a significant advancement in its sustainability efforts with the acquisition of cutting-edge Toro battery-powered equipment, as part of an extensive three-year replacement initiative.

This strategic investment highlights the club’s commitment to upholding world-class playing conditions while prioritizing environmentally responsible practices.

Al Zorah Invests in Sustainable Toro Technology

Al Zorah Invests in Sustainable Toro Technology

The newly acquired equipment includes the Toro Greensmaster eTriflex 3370 and the Toro Workman GTX Lithium, both designed with the latest advancements in eco-friendly and efficient technology. These state-of-the-art machines will play a pivotal role in elevating the maintenance standards of Al Zorah Golf Club, ensuring superior turf quality with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, the order from Toro distributor Delta Turf Care encompasses fairway mowers, rough mowers, heavy-duty utility vehicles, and the Toro ProCore, further enhancing the club’s capabilities.

Al Zorah Golf Club leads the charge in sustainability, becoming the first golf course in this region to utilize the fully electric Toro Greensmaster eTriflex 3370 for mowing greens, setting a new benchmark in eco-friendly golf course management.

“At Al Zorah Golf Club, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our investment in Toro’s advanced, energy-efficient technology reflects our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint while maintaining the highest standards of course conditioning,” said Terrance Mohamed, Golf Course Superintendent at Al Zorah Golf Club. “We are thrilled that Delta Turf Care and The Toro Company have not only provided us with world-class equipment but also exceeded our expectations by delivering the equipment ahead of schedule.”

The Toro Workman GTX Lithium and Toro Greensmaster eTriflex 3370, powered by lithium-ion battery technology, embody Al Zorah Golf Club’s vision for reducing emissions. Meanwhile, the precision-engineered Toro Reelmaster 3575 ensures exceptional playing surfaces while minimizing environmental impact.

“Delta Turf Care is proud to support Al Zorah Golf Club in its pursuit of sustainability,” said Marinus Koekemoer, Regional Manager at Delta Turf Care. “Our team worked diligently to deliver this fleet ahead of schedule, allowing Al Zorah to enhance its operations and reinforce its position as a leader in eco-conscious golf course management.”

This collaboration highlights the shared vision of Delta Turf Care and Al Zorah Golf Club—a future where innovation and sustainability drive success in the golf industry.

For more information about Delta Turf Care’s range of Toro machinery, please visit www.DeltaTurfCare.com.

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SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

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SISGrass invests in Indian cricket: Hybrid cricket pitches have been installed at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala, the first in what is expected to be a series of major projects across India in 2024 and beyond.

Completed by international sports pitches specialist SISGrass in partnership with Indian fine turf specialist company Greater Ten, the work represents the start of a drive towards improved playing surface quality and consistency at both amateur and professional levels, opening the nation’s most popular sport up to millions more people.

SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

SISGrass’s investment in India follows a decision by the International Cricket Council to permit the use of hybrid surfaces for T20 and 50-over competition. After widespread success installing hybrids across English cricket grounds, the SIS team chose India as its next region of development. Paul Taylor, a former England international and SIS’s International Cricket Director, says the decision made sense for several reasons.

“India is home to millions of cricket fans, players and professionals who play almost all year round,” says Taylor. “This huge demand puts pressure on facilities, which can make it difficult for people to access good quality pitches in their local area. Our hybrid system will create far more opportunities for people to participate in the sport, guaranteeing a higher-quality of play at every level of competition.”

The Universal machine used in Dharamshala to install the hybrid surface was first developed by SISGrass in 2017. It injects a small percentage of polymer fibre with the natural turf found inside cricket stadiums. This composition is more resilient to stresses created during play, helping to prolong the life of pitches, guarantee an even bounce and ease pressure on busy groundspeople. Completed installations are predominantly natural grass, with only 5% of polymer fibre used. This ensures the characteristics of an all-natural pitch are maintained.

Speaking about the installation, Mr. R.P. Singh, Hony. President, HPCA, said, “The HPCA has consistently embraced the latest advances in cricket, and we believe SISGrass’s technology will be game-changing.

“Maintaining top-notch practice pitches is crucial for player development, as traditional surfaces struggle under the demands of rigorous training schedules. SISGrass’s integration of natural grass with synthetic fibres creates a robust and durable playing surface, ensuring players are prepared for competitive play. We are confident the installation will pave the way for a brighter future for Indian cricket, not just in Himachal Pradesh but across the nation.”

Hybrids have already been sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for T20 and 50-over competitions, and in 2024 they will be used in four-day County Championship matches for the first time. The Universal machine in India will now travel to Ahmedabad and Mumbai, where it will stitch more pitches for practice and match play.

The first machine of its kind, the Universal has already proven effective in the UK, having been used to install SISGrass at almost every major county ground in England. These include Lord’s, The Kia Oval, Edgbaston, Emirates Old Trafford, Trent Bridge, among many others. The machine will remain in India after the first three installations are complete, making it immediately available to other grounds and facilities as projects are approved.

Richard Gould, CEO of ECB, added: “Hybrid pitches have played an important role in enabling some venues to manage an increased amount of cricket during the English summer as the fixture list across men’s and women’s international and domestic cricket has grown.”

The introduction of hybrid pitches represents an important moment for India’s national game, which has championed T20 cricket through the IPL. These shorter formats have been one of the main drivers behind the development of hybrid surfaces, with more intense periods of play making it harder to prepare all-natural surfaces in time for top-level competition.

“Cricket is often associated with tradition but the installation of SISGrass in India is a milestone of progress,” adds Taylor. “Our hybrid pitches will allow for longer periods of play than is possible with all-natural surfaces, helping to maintain a base level of performance for millions of players across the country. But the technology will also potentially transform grassroots-level cricket, giving juniors the chance to play on the same surfaces found in major stadiums. Our expansion in India is an investment in the future of the game at all levels.”

HPCA has already installed SISAir – another specialist technology business that forms part of the wider SIS Pitches portfolio. SISAir is a sports pitch aeration system that optimises root zone growing conditions, creating stronger and more durable grass. During heavy rainfall, SISAir will also remove excess surface water using a series of pipework installed underneath a playing surface. The technology is used widely across major stadia, including Galatasaray’s Rams Park.

For more information on SISGrass, visit: https://www.sispitches.com/sports-pitches/hybrid/installation/cricket

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Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce

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Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce: As Complete Weed Control, the longest established amenity weed control company in the UK and Ireland, has recently put 13 employees through the Amenity Nominated Storekeeper (ANSK) training and examination to strengthen its future workforce.

Launched by independent standards setting organisation, BASIS in 2021 and fully recognised by the Chemical Regulation Division (CRD) as a certificate of competence, the training course and accredited qualification, is specifically developed for professionals who are responsible for the storage of professional use pesticides within the amenity sector.

Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce

Complete Weed Control invests in future workforce

Strengthening the company’s commitment to young professionals in the industry, of those who took the course, 6 included future leaders: Craig Convery, contract manager for Tyne and Wear, office manager and site supervisor, Lewis Bloomer and grounds maintenance operative, Emma Hayman for Durham and Teesside, Mark Carnie, storekeeper for South West and East Scotland, Daniel Adamson, manager for North East and Sam Drury, business development manager for East Riding.

Lewis Bloomer said: “I’m proud to have passed the course alongside my colleagues from the wider organisation. Complete Weed Control is committed to its responsibility around compliance and ensuring industry regulations are met. This course has provided an opportunity for additional people within the team to maintain the high standards we deliver to our customers.

The organisation is a great place to learn and develop, one that’s investing heavily in its people. There’s no ceiling here, and the progression opportunities are something you don’t find readily with other employers.”

Ian Graham, managing director said: “We are delighted all of our team members who took part successfully passed the course. Not only are we cementing our future in the industry, but we are also growing our talent from the ground up.”

“Our industry is highly regulated and it is important we upskill as many people as possible in our commitment to surpass standards. Developing our people is not just shaping the individuals but supporting our culture of excellence and responsibility. Lewis and the other participants represent a bright future for our company, and we are proud to support them on their journey.”

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

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SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

/in , /by

SISGrass invests in Indian cricket: Hybrid cricket pitches have been installed at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala, the first in what is expected to be a series of major projects across India in 2024 and beyond.

Completed by international sports pitches specialist SISGrass in partnership with Indian fine turf specialist company Greater Ten, the work represents the start of a drive towards improved playing surface quality and consistency at both amateur and professional levels, opening the nation’s most popular sport up to millions more people.

SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

SISGrass invests in Indian cricket

SISGrass’s investment in India follows a decision by the International Cricket Council to permit the use of hybrid surfaces for T20 and 50-over competition. After widespread success installing hybrids across English cricket grounds, the SIS team chose India as its next region of development. Paul Taylor, a former England international and SIS’s International Cricket Director, says the decision made sense for several reasons.

“India is home to millions of cricket fans, players and professionals who play almost all year round,” says Taylor. “This huge demand puts pressure on facilities, which can make it difficult for people to access good quality pitches in their local area. Our hybrid system will create far more opportunities for people to participate in the sport, guaranteeing a higher-quality of play at every level of competition.”

The Universal machine used in Dharamshala to install the hybrid surface was first developed by SISGrass in 2017. It injects a small percentage of polymer fibre with the natural turf found inside cricket stadiums. This composition is more resilient to stresses created during play, helping to prolong the life of pitches, guarantee an even bounce and ease pressure on busy groundspeople. Completed installations are predominantly natural grass, with only 5% of polymer fibre used. This ensures the characteristics of an all-natural pitch are maintained.

Speaking about the installation, Mr. R.P. Singh, Hony. President, HPCA, said, “The HPCA has consistently embraced the latest advances in cricket, and we believe SISGrass’s technology will be game-changing.

“Maintaining top-notch practice pitches is crucial for player development, as traditional surfaces struggle under the demands of rigorous training schedules. SISGrass’s integration of natural grass with synthetic fibres creates a robust and durable playing surface, ensuring players are prepared for competitive play. We are confident the installation will pave the way for a brighter future for Indian cricket, not just in Himachal Pradesh but across the nation.”

Hybrids have already been sanctioned by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for T20 and 50-over competitions, and in 2024 they will be used in four-day County Championship matches for the first time. The Universal machine in India will now travel to Ahmedabad and Mumbai, where it will stitch more pitches for practice and match play.

The first machine of its kind, the Universal has already proven effective in the UK, having been used to install SISGrass at almost every major county ground in England. These include Lord’s, The Kia Oval, Edgbaston, Emirates Old Trafford, Trent Bridge, among many others. The machine will remain in India after the first three installations are complete, making it immediately available to other grounds and facilities as projects are approved.

Richard Gould, CEO of ECB, added: “Hybrid pitches have played an important role in enabling some venues to manage an increased amount of cricket during the English summer as the fixture list across men’s and women’s international and domestic cricket has grown.”

The introduction of hybrid pitches represents an important moment for India’s national game, which has championed T20 cricket through the IPL. These shorter formats have been one of the main drivers behind the development of hybrid surfaces, with more intense periods of play making it harder to prepare all-natural surfaces in time for top-level competition.

“Cricket is often associated with tradition but the installation of SISGrass in India is a milestone of progress,” adds Taylor. “Our hybrid pitches will allow for longer periods of play than is possible with all-natural surfaces, helping to maintain a base level of performance for millions of players across the country. But the technology will also potentially transform grassroots-level cricket, giving juniors the chance to play on the same surfaces found in major stadiums. Our expansion in India is an investment in the future of the game at all levels.”

HPCA has already installed SISAir – another specialist technology business that forms part of the wider SIS Pitches portfolio. SISAir is a sports pitch aeration system that optimises root zone growing conditions, creating stronger and more durable grass. During heavy rainfall, SISAir will also remove excess surface water using a series of pipework installed underneath a playing surface. The technology is used widely across major stadia, including Galatasaray’s Rams Park.

For more information on SISGrass, visit: https://www.sispitches.com/sports-pitches/hybrid/installation/cricket

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

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You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.