Tag Archive for: New

New John Deere dealer acquisition

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New John Deere dealer acquisition: John Deere’s agricultural and sports turf machinery will be available through a single, larger dealer in the counties of Antrim, Derry/Londonderry, Armagh and Down after Stephen W Moore LTD announced that it is acquiring its neighbouring franchise, Johnston Gilpin & Co LTD.

Both Coleraine and Lisburn branches will continue trading from the current locations, and customers will experience a simplification of all aspects of parts and service in the region as a result of the move, which is in line with Deere’s Dealer of Tomorrow strategy.

New John Deere dealer acquisition

New John Deere dealer acquisition

All Johnston Gilpin & Co employees will be transferred to Stephen W Moore, and the company’s branch in Lisburn will continue to trade under the name Johnston Gilpin.

The expanded dealership will offer the full range of John Deere agricultural machinery as well as domestic and professional turf care products, supplying farms, homes, sports venues and golf courses with the same quality equipment and aftersales service they have received under the previous structure.

Dealer Principal Stephen Moore said: “This is an exciting time as we prepare to nearly double the size of our business with the next stage of our evolution.

“We have known the McConnell family and the Johnston Gilpin group for many years and the whole team has done a fantastic job serving agricultural and turf care customers in the territory. It is clear we share the same core values around delivering unrivalled customer service so I am looking forward to integrating the two businesses under the Stephen W Moore banner.

“The transition will be smooth and steady, ensuring that it’s business as usual for our customers while we are learning from each other behind the scenes.”

Stephen W Moore has been a John Deere dealer since 2008 in Coleraine. It is known for its strength in supporting farmers and contractors in the region, offering the full range of forage harvesters, combines, small, medium and large-frame tractors, sprayers, mowers and balers.

“As well as covering a larger area and the benefits that scale brings to a business like ours, we will now be able to offer the full range of professional turf care machines, parts, service and technical knowledge,” Mr Moore added. “As one franchise with access to more machines, parts and know-how, the training and advice we can offer to customers and staff will continue to improve.”

John Deere’s Division Sales Manager, Brian D’Arcy, said: “The acquisition is a great fit for our dealer network and the new, larger business – backed up by the support from John Deere – is an extremely strong proposition for our customers in Northern Ireland.

“Both companies are well established with knowledgeable staff and connected support. Looking ahead, the business will go from strength to strength and be in a position to make the future investments required in facilities, logistics and advanced precision technologies.

“Our special thanks go to Donn, Randal, Neale and all the McConnell family for their valuable and longstanding contribution to the industry after serving as a dealer in the area for John Deere for the past 54 years.”

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New Lantra website

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New Lantra website: With UK unemployment at its lowest level since 1974, and businesses across many sectors desperately competing to attract the staff they need, leading land-based and environmental skills charity Lantra, has taken on the challenge to help attract new talent, and retain existing expertise in the sector, with the launch of its NEW website.   

Lantra wound down the provision of a careers information service* back in 2014, when Government funding was cut, but now nine years on, it’s using its own cash flow to re-establish its position as a trusted source for career information across a wide range of land-based industries.

New Lantra website

New Lantra website

The new website, with its extensive careers content, is just the first in a series of focused activities. Two full-time members of staff who are passionate about showcasing the exciting opportunities the sector has to offer have been appointed to drive the careers agenda forward.

When Lantra first embarked upon exploring this new website feature, it soon became clear from a wide range of stakeholders that careers information was thought too hard to find and difficult to understand.

The new website keeps it simple and aims to help visitors navigate easily by answering three key questions…

  1. What jobs could I do, and what do they involve?
  2. What training, qualifications, and experience will I need?
  3. Where can I get the training and qualifications I need?

These questions are just as relevant to people already in the workforce and wanting to progress their careers, as they are for new entrants. The new website gives details of more than 250 job roles across 12 industries and includes a selection of videos and case studies of real people, explaining what each job involves, how they got into their current role and why they love it.

One of the biggest misconceptions the sector faces is the outdated view that the majority of jobs available are low-skilled, low paid and offer little opportunity to progress. Nothing could be further from the truth; Lantra will highlight the amazing new technologies and innovative working practices that are springing up in many industries, whether it be GPS and drones, or robotics and precision farming. All require higher levels of technical skills as well as the ability to understand data, solve complex problems and lead increasingly diverse teams.

Lantra’s recently appointed Chair of Trustees, David Llewelyn commented:  

“Lantra’s new website is designed to provide an easily accessible tool for people to explore their career options and training pathways.  

“This is a significant development and will enable us to give people the information they need, literally at their fingertips. We know that the land-based sector is a great place to work with hundreds of varied roles, but its sheer scale has meant finding ‘joined up’ information all in one place has been a challenge.  

“We’re confident the new website will provide convenient, relevant and accessible information for people wanting to start a career in the great outdoors, and for those already working in the sector who want to progress their career to the next level.” 

Building skills through the right training and qualifications is essential to ensure that people work safely, productively and sustainably, as well as helping them progress to more senior roles.

All job roles on the new website are linked to a range of relevant qualifications and training. These can be university or college qualifications, apprenticeships, vocational short-courses, or e-learning. The new website already has more than 2,500 courses listed so people can find out more including where and when they are available.

James Broadhouse (aka Jimmy the Mower), Groundsman & Social Media Influencer commented:  

“As someone who has spent his career and built his professional reputation working in grounds management, I certainly wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. The thought of sitting in an office all day fills me with dread.  

“The land-based sector has hundreds of fascinating roles and is a great place to work and establish a worthwhile career path regardless of whether you want to tackle the latest high end tech roles or if you’re happy doing something more traditional.  

“I like to think that through social media I can help do my bit to promote the sector and I’ll have no hesitation in pushing this new Lantra website careers and training initiative.” 

As a not-for-profit organisation, with a long history of supporting land-based industries, Lantra is uniquely placed to provide objective information on careers opportunities and associated training and, whilst the provision of careers advice is not part of their remit, they are confident the wealth of information provided will help signpost individuals on a career path whatever their interests or aspirations.

Dawne Middleton, National Trust Gardener, Croome, Worcester, said:  

“After a long and successful career in marketing, back in 2016, I took the brave decision to jump and pursue the career I’ve always dreamed of.  

“Fast forward 6 years and I’m busy working as a gardener for the National Trust. My role involves improving the presentation of the garden to re-create the 6th Earl’s vision of Croome, this involves pruning, planting and managing the diverse garden landscape using my horticultural knowledge, and I’ve never been happier. 

“Getting the necessary training and RHS qualifications required lots of hard work and lots of studying. Sometimes finding out who was the right person to contact, or which was the most appropriate qualification wasn’t straightforward, so Lantra’s new website resource would’ve been invaluable.  

“As part of my development, I also had the opportunity to teach some younger college students and I’m confident people in their position will also value the information on the new website.” 

The new website can be viewed here www.lantra.co.uk 

For more information contact marketing@lantra.co.uk or call 02476 696 996  

*Scottish Government-funded support for careers has ensured this continued to be available in Scotland throughout this time.

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New starters herald a bright year

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New starters herald a bright year: Following on from a record-breaking year in 2022, Capillary Concrete, the world-leader in sportsfield drainage and moisture control, has made a number of key appointments aimed at enabling it to move even further forward in 2023 and beyond.

In the golf sector, the company’s biggest market, Capillary has appointed Niklas Svantesson to establish its business in Canada. Swedish, Svantesson was for some years course manager at Halmstad Golfklubb in the south-west of the country, where he was awarded Golf Course Manager of the Year in 2007, and took charge of preparing the course for the Solheim Cup in the same year. For the past eleven years, he has been club manager at Gothenburg Golfklubb in Sweden’s second city, the country’s oldest club. He moved with his family to the United States in 2022 to lead Capillary Bunkers’ drive into Canada, and also to play a key role in the further development of the revolutionary Capillary Hydroponics technology.

New starters herald a bright year

New starters herald a bright year

Svantesson says: “The Capillary Bunkers solution has proven itself for many years and I’m looking forward to introducing it to the Canadian golf community. The development of the new revolutionary system Capillary Hydroponics for heavily loaded grass surfaces and sports arenas will arouse interest in many places in the world. To grow grass with water from below without any sprinklers in a closed plant bed where you control the gas exchange, moisture level, nutrient supply, disease control without leakage. The fact that there will be no negative environmental impact and it is 100 per cent natural feels right, and the saving of 80-90 per cent of water consumption per year and that the pumps are powered by a solar panel opens up great opportunities in places in the world where there are both energy and water shortages.”

Another Swede, Louise Torgersen, has joined the company as manager of Capillary Equestrian, its solution for controlling moisture levels in riding arenas. A Swedish international showjumper and twice winner of the national championship, with a background in events and marketing, she will work with the company’s sales team, using trade shows, other events and social media, to increase its presence within the equestrian sector. “For me as an equestrian, it feels great to work with a system that I think will revolutionise the industry of equestrian footing,” she says.

An engineer with a passion for horses, Alexandra Kettil has joined Capillary Concrete’s product development team. She studied engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, and has a degree in industrial engineering and management. Since graduating in 2019, she has worked with two different startups developing innovative products for the equine industry; at Capillary Concrete, her role will involve developing ideas into marketable products.

Finally, Brandy Laymon has joined Capillary’s office in Wellington, Florida, as staff accountant. Born and raised in a small town in Kentucky, she moved to the Sunshine State four years ago after receiving her masters degree in accountancy. “City life is quite a culture shock, but I’m enjoying every minute of it,” she says. “I am looking forward to being able to use my skills to help the company grow. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Capillary Concrete in the coming years.”

Company CEO and founder Martin Sternberg says: “The last two years have been an amazing ride for us, with huge growth in our core markets and expanding into new territories and sectors. Now, and with these new appointments, we are set to make the next move forward. We know our technology is the best in our fields, and we are very excited to be able to bring it to new users.”

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STIHL launches new saw chain

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STIHL launches new saw chain: STIHL has launched a new innovative full chisel saw chain offering up to 20% higher cutting performance.   

Compatible with any STIHL professional chainsaw with a power output of 1.6 kW – 2.0 kW, the new PS3 Pro chain is available in 3/8 P pitch and 1.1mm drive link gauge and features a narrow kerf designed to reduce resistance while cutting.

STIHL launches new saw chain

STIHL launches new saw chain

This new geometry results in a chain that not only cuts faster than the previous 1.3mm gauge chain but is less sensitive to pressure too. For cordless chainsaw models, the increase in cutting efficiency also allows more cuts to be made per charge, improving productivity.

The new 1.1mm Light 04 guide bar has been specifically designed for use with the PS3 Pro chain, offering increased durability and optimum balance. In addition, the drive links on the PS3 Pro sit deeper inside the Light 04 guide bar compared to ¼ P 1.1mm chain, further decreasing the likelihood of the chain de-railing.

Available in 12” and 14” lengths, the PS3 Pro chain and Light 04 guide bar comes as standard with the new MSA 220 C-B, or separately as an easy upgrade for models such as the MSA 220 T and MS 201 TC-M. Furthermore, the PS3 Pro is compatible with all standard 3/8 P sharpening accessories.

For more information on STIHL’s new PS3 Pro saw chain, please visit www.stihl.co.uk

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Bobcat Sells new CT2535 compact tractor

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Bobcat Sells new CT2535 compact tractor: Anthony Atkinson of AGMS, a grounds maintenance and agricultural contractor based in Sharpness in Gloucestershire, has purchased the first Bobcat Compact Tractor to be shown in the UK on the Bobcat stand at the LAMMA Exhibition from 10-11 January 2023.

The sale was agreed at the LAMMA show with Richard Young, Sales Manager at Abingdon-based TVE Hire & Sales Ltd (TVE), the Authorised Bobcat dealer for South West England.

Bobcat Sells new CT2535 compact tractor

Bobcat Sells new CT2535 compact tractor

Anthony Atkinson operates his business in three main sectors – Pitch Management Services, Smallholding & Equestrian Services and Small Agricultural Services. He commented: “With the expansion in my business, I came to LAMMA to find a new dedicated compact tractor to replace the old compact tractor that helped me start and grow my business. I had a look at several machines at the show, but decided on the new CT2535 tractor on the Bobcat stand for the cab comfort, ergonomics and easy maintenance as well as the excellent attachment versatility.”

Excellent Tool Carriers and Choice of Attachments

Alastair Jones, UK Sales Manager for Bobcat’s new Ground Maintenance Equipment (GME) range, said: “The CT2535 is one of nine Compact Tractor models that form part of the GME range. To illustrate the variety of attachment choice for the Compact Tractor range, the CT2535 shown at LAMMA had a Front End Loader and a bucket as well as a rear Tiller attachment. To make sure all jobs get tackled, other compatible attachments include pallet forks, utility forks, utility grapples, mid-mount mowers, backhoes, box blades, rakes and seeders.

“Bobcat’s Compact Tractors can be equipped with front, mid and rear connections and power take-offs. The proven Bob-Tach system comes as standard on all front-end loader platforms, enabling users to switch attachments for multiple jobs easily, delivering greater value and versatility for their businesses.”

Bobcat Compact Tractors to Suit Every Requirement

As part of the GME range, there are three Bobcat Compact Tractor platforms – the 1000, 2000 and 4000 series – which feature nine new models designed to meet the needs of European customers. The CT2535 cabbed model purchased by Anthony Atkinson will be equipped with turf tyres and is part of the 2000 series. Each model varies in size and engine horsepower, with the option to choose between manual and hydrostatic transmissions, and open canopies (ROPS) and cabs.

As well as Compact Tractors, Bobcat’s innovative GME line-up includes zero-turn mowers and Ryan Turfcare equipment, supplemented by the company’s new MT100 mini track and small articulated loaders.

The CT2535 was one of several new products shown by Bobcat for the first time in the UK at the LAMMA 2023 exhibition, including the brand new super compact TL25.60 R-series telehandler and the new MT100 mini track loader.

Quality Service for Bobcat Customers

As well as sales of the entire Bobcat range of machines and attachments, TVE offers a full selection of genuine Bobcat accessories and parts to support customers in its area. This is backed up by a stock of both brand new and second hand Bobcat machines for sale. Customers also benefit from TVE’s on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance.

A Growing Product Range

The Bobcat R-Series telehandler range for agriculture provides a choice of eight models with Stage V engines. The new telehandlers cover maximum lifting capacities between 2.5 and 4.3 tonne with lifting heights from 6 to 8 m. Bobcat R-Series telehandlers offer a premium workspace with a new cab design.

The Bobcat range also offers 10 skid-steer loaders including the brand new R-Series S86 model, complementing these wheeled machines with a selection of five compact track loaders, including the latest R-Series T86 top-of-the-range model.

Bobcat offers an extensive portfolio of mini-excavators from 1.0 to 8.9 tonne, including two electric models, a full range of construction telehandlers and a full range of light compaction machinery.

For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit the website www.bobcat.com

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