Tag Archive for: Joins

New CEO joins Trilo at SALTEX

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New CEO joins Trilo at SALTEX: It’s been an exciting period of growth for the Vanmac group since their last appearance at SALTEX, with new premises, new products and more new faces joining the team.

This year, stand K070 will feature highlights such as the Progressive TDR-X tri-deck contour mower and infamous Trilo S3 vacuum collector, with the technical team on hand to discuss these and other products from across the Vanmac and Trilo portfolios.

New CEO joins Trilo at SALTEX

New CEO joins Trilo at SALTEX

More than a year on from the extension of the partnership between Vanmac and Progressive, this has borne fruit for both parties with the range of innovative, rotary finishing mowers delivering first-class quality of cut for turf managers across the country and the full spectrum of applications. Debuted at SALTEX 2021, the Progressive TDR-X is now setting the standard for contour following ability – with three independent floating decks offering a cutting height range from 9.5mm to 84.5mm and cutting width of 3.2m. This ability to cut precisely, without scalping, makes the TDR-X a firm favourite with golf courses, local authorities and large-area green-space managers.

Sitting alongside the TDR-X, visitors can expect to see a number of leaf clearance solutions from the Trilo range including the multi-purpose S3 and the BL960. The BL960 is the largest blower in the Trilo range and one of the most powerful on the market. Offering a capacity of 385m3/min and delivering an airspeed of 75m/s, the BL960 offers the fast and effective clearance of leaves to both the left and the right of the unit thanks to the 180o adjustability of the exhaust spout.

Also on the stand will be Vanmac’s new CEO Christiaan Arends. No stranger to the groundcare sector, Christiaan joins Vanmac after more than 20 years at the Royal Barenbrug Group where, amongst other positions, he was working as Head of Marketing and Sales for the last eight years. Since August 2022, he has sat alongside Leo van Loen and Peter van Mispelaar on the board of Vanmac to drive the further expansion and optimisation of activities across the group. Commenting on his appointment, Christiaan said “I am delighted to now be a part of a strong team, who are passionate about what they produce, and all share the serious ambition of growing the company further. I look forward to meeting customers old and new at SALTEX this November.”

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Mortonhall joins ranks with Toro

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Mortonhall joins ranks with Toro: The latest club to join the hybrid machinery ranks with Toro is Mortonhall Golf Club in Edinburgh.

The club which is widely regarded as one of the best parkland courses in the Lothians has acquired two Reelmaster 5010-H hybrid fairway mowers and two Greensmaster 3420 TriFlex hybrid riding greensmowers from distributor Reesink Scotland as part of a series of efforts to reduce the club’s environmental impact and help protect the course’s biodiversity.

Mortonhall joins ranks with Toro

Mortonhall joins ranks with Toro

Course manager Grant Moran explains how this is part of a huge undertaking in course improvements to assist the club in becoming one of Edinburgh’s must-play courses: “We are undergoing major renovations to ensure we stay at the top of the list of best Edinburgh courses to play.”

This list of work includes but is not limited to habitat enhancing projects, awareness campaigns and the switch to more sustainable energy sources like solar power, all of which made it possible for the club to receive the Scottish Golf Course Wildlife Charter Award in 2010. And the hard work continues with the gradual replacement of the club’s machinery fleet with more eco-friendly alternatives.

Grant continues: “We’ve recently completed a huge bunker project and are looking to rebuild greens complexes and tees in the future. There’s also a reseeding programme to improve the turf so all the extra help from these machines will be incredibly important in our five-to-seven-year plan.”

These machines’ hybrid credentials come from Toro’s patented PowerMatch with an in-line motor generator and a self-recharging 48-volt battery pack for the Reelmaster 5010-H, while the Greensmaster 3420 is the first product to earn Toro’s EnergySmart label. They both maximise fuel economy to improve cost of ownership (about 20 percent over a conventional mower), are quieter and greatly reduce the risk of hydraulic leaks.

“Looking into electric machinery was a big thing for us and the next step in continuing the environmental work we are so proud of achieving,” continues Grant. “I’ve worked with Toro’s diesel models for over 25 years, so it was the obvious choice when making the switch. We’ve found the hybrid machines pack the same power punch as their diesel counterparts.”

Proving hybrid machines can match their diesel counterparts in longevity too, all four are used machines, about which Neil Mackenzie, area sales for Reesink Scotland, explains more: “These machines were completely refurbished, overhauled, and rebuilt at the branch here in Livingston and like all our pre-owned/used equipment they are sold with a comprehensive 12-month warranty. Hybrid machines have plenty of life to give when taken care of so this should never be off-putting in a potential purchasing decision.”

Grant concludes: “These Toro machines are only the tip of the iceberg as we want to replace the whole fleet with as many hybrid and electric units as we can in time. Right now, these four checks all the boxes and we couldn’t be happier with them.”

To talk to someone about Toro technology and how the Toro range could suit your course, call 01480 226800.

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Jon Lewis joins Price Turfcare

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Jon Lewis joins Price Turfcare: Jon Lewis, one of the premier groundscare equipment salesman in the West Midlands, has joined Price Turfcare, in a regional sales management role. Price Turfcare are the UK distributor of the Ventrac all-terrain compact tractor and associated attachments.

Jon has enjoyed a successful 22-year career in the groundscare industry, starting as an operator mowing grass for grounds maintenance contractor Smart Cut, before moving into his first sales role with Parks & Grounds Machinery. He later joined TH White, operating out of their Redditch depot, where he spent five years as area sales manager before joining Lely (now Reesink). After a successful nine years selling Toro products, he moved on to John Deere dealer Farols, again in an area sales management role, before making his latest move to join Rupert Price and the UK Ventrac operation.

Jon Lewis joins Price Turfcare

Jon Lewis joins Price Turfcare

“I have nothing but praise and respect for Rupert for the way in which in he has bought the Ventrac product to market here in the UK. I have supported him since he launched the business because of his integrity; he simply does right by the customer, they always come first.

“He leads a small but flexible group of people and thoroughly deserves the success he has achieved. To have sold a significant number of machines in the UK from a standing start in 2017 is some achievement, especially when you take into account two years of Covid.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge, but also to the opportunities it brings; this is an incredibly versatile machine with a range of attachments that work brilliantly and has so many applications across multiple sectors of the outdoor industry.”

Rupert Price added,

“I’m delighted to have secured Jon’s services and welcome him aboard; he is very well known, not only across the West Midlands, but also throughout the industry. He’s a larger-than-life character and a shrewd businessman who knows this industry inside out! We recently returned from the SAGE event where he slotted into the team perfectly. I have no doubt that he will be a great asset as we grow the business.”

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Ariens joins Made in Britain community

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Ariens joins Made in Britain community: Ariens, a leader in outdoor power equipment, is delighted to announce that it’s joined Made in Britain and will now proudly adorn all petrol zero-turn mowers for the EMEAA market with the iconic Made in Britain mark.

Ariens has an illustrious history of manufacturing machinery in the United States, but, to better meet the needs of its European customers, opened its first zero-turn production line at its UK plant over three years ago. This huge milestone means Ariens is able to manufacture its complete petrol zero-turn line-up of EDGE, IKON XD, APEX and ZENITH mowers – for the EMEAA market in Oxfordshire.

Ariens joins Made in Britain community

Ariens joins Made in Britain community

Made in Britain brings together the best of British manufacturing and only accredited organisations that meet its high standards can use its mark. There is also a growing awareness among consumers of the importance of buying local as recent Covid-19 and Brexit issues have caused supply chain concerns and impacted the quality of imported goods.

Darren Spencer, VP of EMEAA is proud to be part of Made in Britain, “Although we find ourselves in uncertain times, both here and abroad, investing in manufacturing in the UK is critical to ensuring our EMEAA customers continue to receive the quality machinery they expect from Ariens. Being able to brand all of our petrol zero-turn mowers with the Made in Britain mark shows them just that.”

For more information on Ariens and Made in Britain visit ariens.eu

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Craig Housley joins East Riding Turfcare

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Craig Housley joins East Riding Turfcare: We would like to welcome the latest addition to the East Riding Turfcare team, Craig Housley. Craig has joined East Riding Turfcare with a wealth of experience having spent his career working as a groundsman.

Arriving from Lincoln Football FC where he was Head Groundsman for two seasons. Along with his team at Lincoln, Craig was awarded ‘highly commended’ pitch, and achieved ‘Grounds Team of the Year’. Previous to his time at Lincoln, Craig has served as Heads Groundman at Scunthorpe FC and Barnsley FC before previously being Assistant Head Groundsman at Doncaster Rovers for eight years where Craig obtained his sports turf qualifications.

Craig Housley joins East Riding Turfcare

Craig Housley joins East Riding Turfcare

Craig’s long career either as Assistant or Head Groundsman have filled him with the product know-how and knowledge to managing sports turf, We asked Craig what he has learnt most from his time as a groundsman, “In this role I have learned a lot about using the right product at the right time, and how this can be detrimental in the overall look and quality. I also understand the implications that the Great British weather can bring, including forever changing forecasts which can lead to diseases. This knowledge has allowed me to implement a pro-active approach, rather than reactive.”

Craig joins East Riding Turfcare at a really exciting time for the company, joining us as our Winter Sports Area Sales Manager. Following his appointment Craig said, “I now feel as though I am in a position where I have the experience and qualities to assist, advise and guide others in the same or similar roles of my previous job. East Riding Turfcare seemed like the perfect opportunity where I will be able to utilise my football knowledge and transfer my skills set into something different.”

Commenting on Craig’s appointment, Steve Watson, Head of Turfcare & Landscaping for East Riding Turfcare, said: “Craig is a great addition to the East Riding Turfcare team, we’re delighted to welcome him to our team. He has great knowledge of industry products as well as the right experience and passion for the role.”

Outside of work Craig can be found somewhere in his active lifestyle, playing 5 a side football, squash or golf on the odd occasion, whilst enjoying time with his partner and newborn baby.

East Riding Turfcare is a leading provider of professional products, advice and solutions for the Sport Turf industry throughout the UK. Craig started his new role with East Riding Turfcare in May and will be offering technical advice and product recommendations as well as creating tailored sports turf programmes for nutrition and disease control. To arrange a meeting with Craig or to have a chat with him, call 07546 307052 or email craig@eastridingturfcare.co.uk

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Liam Rowlands joins ICL

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Liam Rowlands joins ICL: ICL has appointed Liam Rowlands as a Technical Area Sales Manager, covering South West England and South Wales.

Liam arrives with good knowledge of the industry after working as a greenkeeper for a period of twelve years. Upon leaving school he started his career at Abergele Golf Club, North Wales, under the stewardship of Darren Anderson. He then went onto work at several distinguished clubs including Chester Golf Club, The Grove, and Golfpark de Turfvaert, in the Netherlands. Before joining ICL he progressed to the position of a Deputy Head Greenkeeper.

Liam Rowlands joins ICL

Liam Rowlands joins ICL

“During my twelve years in greenkeeping, I have been fortunate to experience golf courses of many shapes and sizes all with varying levels of expectation,” said Liam. “I feel this gives me a good ability to understand the customers varying needs”. “I’m sure that my experience paired with my education in technical areas will enable me to provide excellent service for both turf managers and distributor partners alike.”

Liam also studied a BSc in Sports Turf Science and Management at Myerscough College where he achieved an impressive 2.1. As part of his degree, Liam conducted a highly regarded dissertation which focussed on the effects of ICL’s Vitalnova SMX on root growth and development on perennial ryegrasses.

“I feel honoured to be representing ICL,” he said. “The company gave me the opportunity to study its SMX product for my thesis when I was at Myerscough College and Andy Owen (International Technical Manager at ICL) was extremely influential throughout the process. It now feels as though my career has come full circle. I am incredibly passionate about ICL products and have seen first-hand how they perform. I hope to take this passion into my role and the regions in which I am operating.”

Outside of work, when Liam is not playing golf, he can be found following Bristol City FC and he also enjoys hiking and camping.

Commenting on Liam’s appointment, Ed Carter, National Sales and Development Manager for ICL, said: “Liam is great addition to the ICL team. He has great knowledge of

our products as well as the right experience and passion for the role. I’m sure he will contribute superbly to driving growth and supporting ICL customers in South West England and South Wales.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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John Deere Gator joins James Martin’s collection

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John Deere Gator joins James Martin’s collection: Renowned chef and television presenter James Martin has become the proud owner of a new John Deere Gator.

Supplied by John Deere dealer Hunt Forest Group from its Chilbolton branch in Hampshire, James now has a 4×4 road legal utility vehicle which is perfect for his outdoor pursuits.

John Deere Gator joins James Martin’s collection

John Deere Gator joins James Martin’s collection

The XUV865M model has a towing capacity of 907kg and has a maximum load weight of 454kg – perfect for heavy or bulky loads. Additionally, it reaches a top speed of 31mph.

Ed Smales, Turf & Construction Sales Director at Hunt Forest Group, said: “It was great to see James and help facilitate him with a machine suitable for exploring the great British countryside that he is such an advocate of.

“The XUV865M Gator is absolutely perfect for James to get around in the Hampshire countryside where he is based. Featuring on-demand 4WD and the highest ground clearance of any of our crossovers, the vehicle frees the driver to focus on what’s ahead and go to places other models can’t in tricky conditions.

“With fully independent suspension, power steering, and top-of-the-line power, capacity and comfort, we think James will be perfectly equipped for new adventures and exploring a variety of terrains in his new vehicle.”

At the handover, James was very pleased with his new purchase, giving it a ringing endorsement in his own personal way.

“It’s a proper piece of kit,” he said.

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Andrew Donnachie joins ISEKI Scotland

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Andrew Donnachie joins ISEKI Scotland: ISEKI UK & Ireland has announced the appointment of Andrew Donnachie as its new Regional Sales Manager covering the Northern England, Isle of Man, Scotland and the Island of Ireland.

Andrew has joined ISEKI UK with 10 years’ experience in the groundcare sector having previously worked for machinery dealer Thomas Sherriff & Co in Scotland.  He brings with himself a wealth of experience across all sectors within the groundcare industry.  Having started work in Engineering at Thomas Sherriff & Co for the first 6 years, Andrew has a high level of technical knowledge and experience. This was followed by the last 4 years working in commercial machinery sales covering groundcare customers from the Lothians up to Edinburgh.

Andrew Donnachie joins ISEKI Scotland

Andrew Donnachie joins ISEKI Scotland

Andrew’s role at ISEKI will be to support the dealers in his area with advice and demonstrations, ensuring the customer purchases the best product for their needs so they can get the most from their ISEKI tractor or mower.

Commenting on the new role Andrew continued; “having been aware of ISEKI’s reputation for high quality, well-built machinery I am excited to be representing the company, I am looking forward to building good working relationships and helping the dealers with their customers.”

Managing Director of ISEKI UK, David Withers added; “I am delighted to have Andrew join us, the territory that he is taking over has seen huge growth over the last few years with sales in 2021 that were 75% higher than in 2017. We believe we can continue to grow at this rate and think Andrew will help drive this growth and get to our goal of doubling sales volumes within a 5 year period.”

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Martyn Parrish joins ICL

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Martyn Parrish joins ICL: Martyn Parrish has joined ICL as Technical Area Sales Manager for North London and surrounding counties.

Martyn began his career in greenkeeping and started working at his local golf club at the age of 16. During his time as a Greenkeeper, he completed his foundation degree in Sportsturf Management at Myerscough College and participated in the Ohio State Programme on a 12-month internship in which he worked on a Jack Nicklaus course construction and a grow-in in Texas – something which he pinpoints as a career highlight.

Martyn Parrish joins ICL

Martyn Parrish joins ICL

He then moved away from golf and accepted a position as a Grounds Manager on an ambitious landscape construction project of a 400-acre site in Henley on Thames.

Martyn worked in this role for six years before joining Maxwell Amenity, later to be acquired by Agrovista Amenity, as a Technical Area Sales Manager.

During this four-year period, he developed an impressive portfolio of clients, and believes that his experience will prove to be of great benefit in his new role at ICL.

“I will be working with a lot of the same people in many of the same areas,” said Martyn. “It also helps that I am very familiar with the ICL brand, and I know what the company stands for.

“I worked with some fantastic people at Agrovista Amenity and many of them will be friends for life, but you have to keep challenging yourself to reach another level, and the opportunity to join ICL was just too good to turn down.”

Martyn will be operating throughout North London and counties such as Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, visiting new and prospective customers from various facilities and sectors, which is the part of the job he loves most.

“In this line of work it is important to feel that you are in a two-way relationship with the customer, assisting them to help them reach their best possible level,” he said. “When you can see that you are making a difference, that is when it feels really good – that is job satisfaction.”

After spending the entirety of his career to date in the turf and amenity industry, Martyn admits that times are changing, but with the backing of ICL, he certainly feels prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.

“Product regulations and climate change are arguably the biggest challenges,” he said. “Customers are also asking different questions about products too, and they are looking for answers that are backed by research.

“ICL has been doing that for a long time now; and it will be a privilege to work with some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry selling the best products.”

Outside of work, Martyn likes being active and still enjoys a game of golf . He  has completed three Iron Man races and has represented Great Britain in the World Triathlon Grand Finals.

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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

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Toyota Mirai joins JCB fleet

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Toyota Mirai joins JCB fleet: Digger giant JCB has taken delivery of the latest Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car – just as it develops its own hydrogen engine technology.

The vehicle is among the first batch of Toyota’s second-generation hydrogen-fuelled cars to arrive in the UK since its launch earlier this year.

Toyota Mirai joins JCB fleet

Toyota Mirai joins JCB fleet

JCB’s purchase of the Toyota Mirai comes as the company invests £100 million in the development of super-efficient hydrogen engines to power its equipment. The wraps have already come off two prototype hydrogen powered machines: a backhoe loader and a Loadall telescopic handler, which were displayed COP26 in Glasgow.

It is the second hydrogen fuelled Toyota Mirai bought by JCB following the purchase of a first-generation model in 2015. The new Mirai was handed over to JCB Chairman Lord Bamford by President and Managing Director of Toyota (GB), Agustin Martin.

Lord Bamford said: “We applaud Toyota for its consistency in exploring the potential of hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels in cars. Indeed, just in the past few months, Mr Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, has been testing a Toyota car powered by a hydrogen combustion engine, the same technology that JCB is pioneering for its own machinery. Having a hydrogen fuel cell car in our fleet makes perfect sense as we pursue hydrogen as a fuel of the future.”

Agustin Martin said: “Since 1992, Toyota has produced more than five million cars at its Burnaston plant and our Midlands neighbours at JCB have an even longer history of providing employment, investment and innovation in the region.  JCB’s research and development into hydrogen engines marks a significant and forward-thinking shift in the construction and agriculture worlds.  It’s exciting to see another industry taking the steps towards decarbonising society through the application of hydrogen technology.”

JCB has manufactured engines since 2004, producing them at plants in Derbyshire and Delhi, India.  It is on course to celebrate production of its 750,000th engine this year.

Toyota’s all-new Mirai is its second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle. It offers enhanced driving performance, better fuel efficiency, a 30 per cent greater driving range and a price tag almost 25 per cent lower than its predecessor.

The increased efficiency of Mirai’s fuel cell system, coupled with a 1kg increase in hydrogen capacity, gives the car a range of approximately 400 miles – an increase of 100 miles over the first generation model.

Fuelled by hydrogen, Mirai can be refilled in a matter of a few minutes. It emits only pure water and, through the use of a new electrostatic filter, removes almost 100 per cent of particulate matter from the air, up to 2.5 microns in diameter, as it drives.

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