Tag Archive for: Press

Kubota’s investment outlined in press event

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Kubota’s investment outlined in press event: Media spanning sports turf, landscaping, amenity and equine were recently given a rare insight into the ‘behind the scenes’ workings of one of the most recognisable brands in groundcare, as Kubota UK opened their doors for an update event.

The overarching theme of the two days was Kubota’s ongoing investment into the industry – with press updated on recent acquisitions and new initiatives in the areas of warranty and recruitment, while also having the opportunity to get ‘hands-on’ with some of the latest products from across their mower and compact tractor portfolios.

Kubota’s investment outlined in press event

Kubota’s investment outlined in press event

The sun was shining as Kubota UK Managing Director David Hart and General Manager for Tractor Business Unit (TBU) Henry Bredin welcomed members of the press to their Thame headquarters in early June. After learning about some of the corporate history and more recent global developments, such as the new £0.5bn Kubota Institute of Technology opened in Osaka Japan, attendees were treated to a tour of the facility where many questions on the challenges of worldwide manufacture, logistics and alternative power sources were answered.

Handing the baton to Phil Catley, Kubota UK Groundcare Product Manager and Field Service Manager Tom Lockwood, day two continued on a similar theme as the area of investment in aftersales was addressed. With the vision of creating an industry-leading dealer, technical and commercial support infrastructure, Tom discussed initiatives including the Kubota Service Excellence Awards and Kubota University programme, both of which are designed to develop and deliver training and advice to dealers thus ensuring the very best ongoing customer experience.

Also covered was the Kubota Apprenticeship programme, offered in partnership with Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, and designed to address the skills shortage in the industry. The four-year practical-based training scheme enrolled a record 13 students in 2023, setting the apprentices up for a career in engineering and progressing them into positions within Kubota dealerships across the UK.

Proceedings concluded with a ‘ride and drive’ experience where press had the opportunity to demonstrate a number of machines from across the range, including the recently-launched FC3 and FC4 mowers, and the LXe – Kubota’s first electric compact tractor, in the UK currently for extensive testing.

Commenting on the event, Kubota UK Marketing Manager Rob Edwards said, “We, like all manufacturers, are aware of the issues facing the industry and that doesn’t just stop at having the right products to fit today’s market. It was brilliant to be able to demonstrate to the press the programmes we’re delivering to support our dealers and our customers, and show how proud we are to be re-investing in the needs of the next generation. We extend a massive thank you once again, to all of those who took the time to attend.”

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Press join GreenMech for update event

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Press join GreenMech for update event: Europe’s leading woodchipper manufacturer GreenMech recently invited the industry media to join them at a venue close to their production site in Warwickshire, for an update event with a festive feeling!

The assembled journalists discovered how GreenMech have overcome the numerous challenges encountered since the event last took place five years ago, together with having an opportunity to get hands-on with some of their latest innovations – including the EVO 205D and brand-new EVO 205D SURE-Trak.

Press join GreenMech for update event

Press join GreenMech for update event

In his presentation, Sales Director Martin Lucas outlined three major factors which have all had an impact on business in recent years. The first of which, and perhaps the biggest challenge for the engineering team, was the introduction of Stage V engine compliance. The need to fit new certified Stage V engines required the re-engineering of in the region of 20 GreenMech models – a massive task that he explained required careful consideration to balance customer expectations, unit performance and cost.

While the transition period of Stage V was extended due to COVID-19, the wider impact and knock-on effects of the pandemic were also discussed. With their own dedicated manufacturing facility, Martin detailed how GreenMech endeavour to produce as much as they can themselves, however like a lot of manufacturers, rely on the availability of third-party components – some of which, including hydraulics and electric components, remain in short supply. This meant lead time management was another hurdle GreenMech have had to overcome, with the proactiveness of their dealer network noted in helping to shorten the customers exposure to long delivery times.

The third area discussed was Brexit. With exports accounting for roughly 70% of their business, the implications of the new European guidelines have seen added complexities and a big increase in the amount of paperwork GreeMech need to complete to get a machine to its final destination. However, there are indeed reasons to be chipper, as Martin explained that the appetite for UK manufactured product remains strong, with a keenness from their European distribution partners to remain committed to the brand.

Despite the adversity, the creativity of GreenMech shone through as Martin and members of the marketing team discussed the launch of the highly successful EVO series – with a new market image and approach meaning the EVO now accounts for a significant proportion of all orders placed. First launched at the 2019 Arb Show, the EVO 165D set a new precedent for GreenMech, in terms of the specification which delivered more aggressive torque, bite and throughput. A tracked version, the EVO 165DT followed, then shortly after a 37hp petrol engine was introduced to bring the new EVO 165P into the sub-750kg category. More recently the ‘big brother’ came to market in the form of the EVO 205D – an 8” unit powered by a 50hp Kubota diesel engine.

The newest launch, the EVO 205D SAFE-Trak and SURE-Trak models, provides the operator with ultimate safety and stability when working across slopes of up to 35o. The media became some of the first to see the brand-new EVO 205D SURE-Trak in the flesh as this was lined-up, alongside other models from the EVO range, for a series of working demonstrations.

After getting hands-on, the press were then given an insight into how the machines are made with a step-by-step virtual factory tour. Jonathan Turner, GreenMech Managing Director, closed proceedings by saying “We’re proud of our achievements and how we’ve overcome such a challenging couple of years, but now is the time to be even more positive and excited about our future. We will be continuing to work on industry-leading new products, designed to perform without compromise with the support of a great network of colleagues and dealers around us.”

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BLEC Host Press Update Event

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BLEC Host Press Update Event: Three years on since the announcement was made that BLEC was to become a division of the Redexim Group, the press were recently invited to an update event at BLEC dealer Acorn Tractors in Derby. Hosted by Division Manager Curtis Allen, they heard in more detail how the new and enhanced range of specialist landscaping and turfcare equipment is creating quite a stir.

A busy few years under the guidance of the Redexim Group has seen the streamlining of product ranges and manufacture, along with the appointment of a network of dedicated dealers nationwide. Amongst the machines shown on the day were the Blecavator, Laser Grader and Multi-Seeder where key developments were discussed. Of particular note was the number of mechanical adjustments made to the renowned Laser Grader range including new twin Danfoss proportional valves and heavy-duty finger tines, that both now come as standard. The all-new Power Box Rake 1800 was another highlight as the first Redexim designed and engineered addition to the BLEC offering. Whilst following the ethics of the previous versions of the PBR, this machine has been built from scratch to be the perfect tool for cultivating, earth-moving, grading and raking.

BLEC Host Press Update Event

During the presentation and subsequent working demonstrations, it was evident how machines from across the BLEC range can be used in conjunction with one another, in the process of converting bare earth into a surface ready for seeding. With a comprehensive selection of pedestrian and tractor-mounted units, each available in a variety of working widths, they’re suited to applications from landscape gardeners, golf course construction, sports pitch preparations to large-scale groundworks.

The press were also treated to a talk from Sean Goodwin, Director of Talbot Farm Landscapes and Talbot Sports Turf, and long-standing user of BLEC machinery. Sean has a vast selection of BLEC units on his machinery fleet. He adds, “The BLEC range demonstrates an understanding of what we, the commercial landscaper/sports turf contractor, really need. The build quality is one thing that has always impressed me but the new Multi-Seeder I have purchased through Redexim is even better – well engineered and attention paid to every detail. With the resources available to Redexim, the manufacturing prowess and the ability to stock a wider range of parts through their dealer network, they have the potential to take BLEC to the next level.”

BLEC Host Press Update Event

Curtis summarised, “Despite its best efforts, the rain didn’t dampen spirits on what was a fantastic opportunity to update the media on all of the improvements we have worked hard to deliver across the portfolio. We have come a long way with the range already and with further innovations in the pipeline we’re entering a very exciting period in the BLEC story. A big thank you must also go to Julian Simpson at Acorn Tractors for providing the host venue and coordinating such a positive day.”

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STIHL Host Trade Press Day

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STIHL Host Trade Press Day: The trade press were given a wonderful opportunity to harness their inner lumberjack at the recent Stihl Press day held at the National Arboritum at Westonbirt, in Gloucestershire.

Members of the Stihl staff were on hand to demonstrate recently developed petrol and battery powered machinery including chainshaws, brushcutters, blowers and both domestic and professional rotary mowers. Then the press, suitably and safely attired, had their opportunity to put the kit through its paces.

STIHL Host Trade Press Day

The day ended with a superb dinner in a lovely nearby hotel.

Thanks to all at Stihl, and their agency HROC, for looking after us all so well.

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Cutting Edge Visit For Trade Press

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Cutting Edge Visit For Trade Press: A number of the UK trade press recently visited the factory of Dennis and SISIS in Derby for an insight into the future vision and continual investment of the companies along with a behind the scenes look at the new Dennis PRO 34R rotary mower.

Managing Director Ian Howard and Sales & Marketing Manager Roger Moore extended a warm welcome before giving an insight into current and future markets and products, before discussing the recent results of the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute) trials which included a CGI animation of what happens under the surface while using the tractor mounted aerator over a 30-day period.

Cutting Edge Visit For Trade Press

Following extensive trials conducted by the STRI, it has been concluded that the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid would be an essential tool within any integrated turf management programme.

Over a four-month period, extensive STRI trials led by Dr Christian Spring were carried out at the world’s leading sports turf consultancy’s headquarters in Bingley, West Yorkshire. The research saw three trial plots set-up in which one area examined the effects of the SISIS Javelin Aer-Aid with air injection, one with the Aer-Aid without air injection, while the other plot was left un-treated. In particular, Christian and his team of researchers were looking at how and if the Javelin Aer-Aid had an effect on the hardness of the turf, root depth, water infiltration and disease.

Attendees were then given a first-glimpse of the Dennis PRO 34R rotary mower before it goes into full production in early 2018. The PRO 34R is a 34” (860mm) rotary mower designed to help groundsmen achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance and desired playing surface and is ideal for sports pitches.

The professional rotary mower has been designed and developed with feedback from groundsmen over the past 18 months ahead of the official launch.

Ian Howard then gave an insightful presentation of the company’s sales over the past seven years, which has increased five-fold over that period, before discussing the future vision of the group of companies and products which may appear in the distinctive ‘Dennis Green’ and ‘SISIS Orange’ colours over the coming years.

The group were then given a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the All British Precision factory where components for Dennis and SISIS machines are manufactured. This includes the recent investment of over £400,000 in new fully automated manufacturing machines. This was followed by a tour of the Dennis and SISIS production and assembly lines which now includes a new in-house paint plant – yet more proof of the continual investment into the British manufacturer while ensuring that quality control is of the highest standard.

Factory tour over and it was back into the office for lunch followed by a question and answer session and thanks from both Ian Howard and Roger Moore.

“The event was hailed a great success by all,” commented Ian Howard. “It is always nice to open our doors and give the trade press an insight into exactly what goes into bringing a new product to market – from market research, design, production and extensive field tests with groundsmen and greenkeepers. It also gives them the chance to see our hard-working members of the team which shows the dedication and proudness which you do not always get a chance to see.”

The company is proud to be flying the flag for the UK turf care industry.

Further information about the range of maintenance products available can be found by visiting www.dennisuk.com / www.sisis.com

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