Tag Archive for: Stage

Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX

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Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX: SALTEX has solidified its status as the ultimate event for the entire grounds management industry, putting high-calibre visitors and cutting-edge innovation at the forefront.

This year’s exhibition at the NEC Birmingham, the 78th edition, drew thousands of industry professionals and volunteers, where in-depth conversations led to strengthened relationships.

Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX

Innovation takes centre stage at SALTEX

Visitors were able to see more than 30 new products making their UK debut, underscoring SALTEX as the premier platform for innovation. With over 20% of exhibitors attending for the first time, SALTEX continues to attract fresh talent and businesses eager to connect with influential industry leaders.

Susanna Anderson-Lewis from TurfSolv said: “SALTEX 2024 has been a very successful show for us. In addition to the number and quality of visitors to our stand, we were able to use this platform to launch and showcase our two new grass care products. Also, before the exhibition, the SALTEX team were more than helpful in cheerfully accommodating our stand requirements. The TurfSolv team look forward to exhibiting next year at SALTEX 2025.”

The high calibre of visitors this year underlines SALTEX’s status as a must-attend event. Almost 80% of attendees were senior decision-makers, with visitors from Premier League football clubs including Liverpool FC, Cheslea FC, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as world-class sports venues including Allianz Arena (FC Bayern Munich), Lord’s Cricket Ground, Red Bull Arena (RB Leipzig), Wembley Stadium, Doncaster Racecourse and Mattioli Woods Welford Road (Leicester Tigers).

Additionally, SALTEX welcomed representatives from leading educational institutions including Harrow School, Myerscough College, Eton College and Magdalen College School, alongside prominent universities such as Oxford University, Cambridge University, University of Leeds and Trinity College Dublin.

Many local authorities were also represented at SALTEX including Bristol City Council, Leeds City Council and Nottingham City Council, as well as notable estates such as Sandringham and The Royal Parks.

A growing representation of County Football Associations showcased the vital role of the volunteer network in grassroots sports. Among those in attendance were the London FA, Birmingham FA, Liverpool FA, and Sheffield and Hallamshire FA.

Geoff Webb, Grounds Management Association CEO said: “We’re really pleased with the success of SALTEX 2024. Each year, we work closely with the industry to ensure that SALTEX remains relevant, impactful and forward-thinking. Listening to our industry’s needs and evolving the event to match those expectations is at the heart of what we do.

“This year’s turnout, the quality of conversations and the level of innovation on display reflect that commitment. We’re already looking ahead to SALTEX 2025 and are excited to bring even more opportunities for engagement and collaboration to our attendees and exhibitors.”

Next year, SALTEX will return to its traditional November slot of 12-13 November 2025, better aligning with industry preferences and the grounds management calendar. SALTEX 2025 will also see a relocation to Halls 17, 18 and 19 at the NEC, introducing a refreshed layout designed to enhance the experience for both visitors and exhibitors.

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SIS sets the stage for Riyadh’s Season Cup

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SIS sets the stage for Riyadh’s Season Cup: Season Cup, Riyadh’s showpiece football tournament featuring Messi and Ronaldo, was made possible thanks to the world’s first fully indoor hybrid pitch built in 21 days by global sports surfaces specialist, SIS Pitches.

The competition forms part of the Riyadh Season, a festival featuring both live sport and entertainment in the capital, funded by the Saudi government’s Public Investment Fund. All Season Cup games take place at the Kingdom Arena in front of 24,000 fans. During the competition, the stadium received two Guinness World Records. The first for being the largest covered football stadium; the second for having the largest seating capacity for an indoor covered stadium.

SIS sets the stage for Riyadh's Season Cup

SIS sets the stage for Riyadh’s Season Cup

Setting the stage for the cup’s major fixtures, including Al Nassr vs. Inter Miami, was a major challenge for SIS Pitches. Construction and development of the elite indoor sports venue started in late 2023, giving the business a much shorter window to install and prepare a playing surface fit for top-level competition.

However, this short window was only one part of the challenge. SIS also had to ensure the natural turf grew strong enough to properly secure the small percentage of synthetic fibres stitched into the arena’s surface, as is standard for hybrid pitches of this type. This process was made harder by the arena’s fully indoor design, which has no windows or roof for sunlight to enter. The SIS team worked around this by using ultraviolet growing lights to prepare the pitch in time.

Sela, the developer responsible for the arena, requested a game-ready playing surface in just three weeks, much shorter than the typical window for a major development of this type. This aligned with the pace of construction for the wider stadium, which was completed in just 60 days.

Speed and resilience were key. SISGrass, the solution specified by SIS, merges natural turf with a small percentage of polymer yarn. Already used by many of the most recognisable names in sports, this mixture is injected by the company’s patented electric stitching machine, providing a more consistent and resilient playing surface. SIS’s machine is capable of covering 1300m2 metres per day with a 90mm shallow stitch, making it ideal for quick installs like that requested by Sela.

SISGrass is much harder-wearing than an all-natural pitch, and is proven to accommodate more playing hours while also being less susceptible to wear or damage. This was particularly important for the Kingdom Arena, given the small window groundspeople have to prepare between entertainment and sports events.

The stadium is home to Saudi Professional League team Al Hilal. It will also host several other major sporting events in the coming months, including two heavyweight championship boxing fights. The Kingdom Arena is similar to New Zealand’s Forsyth Barr Stadium, which is also indoors, though the latter is fitted with a transparent roof allowing sunlight to enter. Riyadh’s stadium is therefore the first fully indoor facility to be completed.

David Ball, Managing Director at SIS Saudi said “This project had an incredibly challenging timeline but our team was able to mobilise quickly, delivering a high-quality playing surface fit for what arguably football’s two greatest ever players. We knew the arena was going to be used for other sports and entertainment, so the pitch had to be capable of accommodating short turnarounds between events. SISGrass was a natural choice in this respect, having already proven itself the best option for groundspeople across the world.”

Based in Riadyh’s Boulevard City development, the Kingdom Arena boasts all the facilities expected from a modern stadium, fitted with a state-of-the-art air monitoring system and 20 skyboxes.

For more information on SISGrass, visit: https://www.sispitches.com/pitches/hybrid-pitch-sisgrass/

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Can-Am ATVs take centre stage at LAMMA

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Can-Am ATVs take centre stage at LAMMA: LAMMA 2024 will mark the UK show debut of the new Can-Am Outlander 500 (HD5) and Can-Am Outlander 700 (HD7) models on stand 6.850, spearheading a selection of ATVs and SSVs from the 2024 Can-Am utility line-up.

These new models have been designed and developed from the ground up by BRP’s engineers to provide an improved rider experience through increased performance, comfort, storage and versatility, so they handle the demands of utility users and the multitude of terrains they work across with ease.

Can-Am ATVs take centre stage at LAMMA

Can-Am ATVs take centre stage at LAMMA

The new Can-Am Outlander BASE PRO HD5 T is a work-ready vehicle that provides the user with consistent performance with the help of its class-leading power from the all-new Rotax engine, ground clearance, suspension travel, towing and rack capacity.

The new Can-Am Outlander PRO XU HD7 ABS puts out 50 horsepower and 41 ft-lb of torque, so travelling up the side of hills or towing and carrying cargo on the flat is now easier and more efficient.

To complement the ATVs on display will be Can-Am’s SSV line-up, which includes the Can-Am Traxter HD7 and the Can-Am Traxter 6×6 DPS HD10.

The Can-Am Traxter HD7 provide users with consistent performance and has the ability to stay out in the field for longer with the help of its  40-litre fuel tank.

The Can-Am Traxter 6×6 DPS HD10 is a workhorse SSV that handles everything from hauling machinery to transporting workers and equipment to job sites while providing owners with the comfort, power and performance that is expected from a Can-Am Traxter.

In addition to showcasing its ATVs and SSVs, Can-Am will be hosting a responsible rider panel with the NFU, Yellow Wellies, NAAC and HSE at 11am on stand 6.850. The discussion will cover several topics ranging from training to educating users, no matter their age, on the importance of wearing the correct PPE when riding and what best practices can be implemented before, during and after an ATV has been used.

Rachael Turner, BRP commercial manager UK and Ireland, says, “This show is one that our team circles in the calendar because it brings together a wide-ranging audience under one roof, from students studying at college to smallholders, to large landowners. We are excited for the UK show debut of our new ATVs, the Can-Am Outlander 500 and Can-Am Outlander 700. These two models are the latest evolution of the Outlander line-up and have been designed from the ground up with the user in mind.  Our team is looking forward to showcasing the models on display and explaining how their versatility makes them suitable for the job at hand. In addition, we are excited to be part of the panel with the NFU, Yellow Wellies, NAAC and HSE as it is a great platform from which to discuss the importance of responsible riding, ATV training and best practices when using an ATV with an engaged audience.”

For more information visit https://uk.brp.com/off-road/ https://www.lammashow.com/

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GGM announce next stage of expansion

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GGM announce next stage of expansion: GGM have begun the next chapter of their expansion in to the agricultural sector, following the recent announcement that it is to widen its Kubota portfolio with higher horsepower M-series tractors and R0 loaders, to sit alongside its existing groundcare business.

Following this exciting news over the summer, the firm has appointed an experienced Sales professional to take this development to its next phase and drive the new area of the business forward.

GGM announce next stage of expansion

GGM announce next stage of expansion

Phil Edmondson, who brings a wealth of expertise having previously been the Sales Director at Spectrum Plant, joins the GGM team at the beginning of October and will be tasked with taking the new offering from the business out into the field and meeting customers.

Phil has vast experience in agriculture spanning nearly 4 decades, having begun his career at Newton Rigg College, been the General Manager of a dairy engineering company, and whilst moving on into contracting and latterly the arboriculture machinery business he has always kept up to date with agricultural developments and found time to help out on the family farm.

When not working Phil loves spending time with his wife Andrea, getting out in the Dales, walking and cycling as well as watching sport; especially Rugby Union.

The extended product range is a logical step for GGM, as it looks to broaden its customer base with a full range of Kubota tractors suited to the agricultural sector. The additional models will include M6001 Utility, M6002 and M7003 models spanning 104-175hp, plus corresponding LK tractor-loader models and R0 pivot steer loaders.

Phil says:

“I am extremely excited about this new role at GGM and the challenge of building our presence in the agricultural sector – an area where I am very much at home.

“I thrive on building relationships, being the main point of contact for customers, establishing new working practices to meet both supplier and customer requirements”.

As a specialist supplier of tractors and high-quality professional groundcare machinery, GGM has a long-standing business relationship with Kubota which spans more than 45 years. Based in Colne, Lancashire, with a second depot at Haydock, Merseyside, GGM are accessible to agricultural customers throughout the North West and areas of North / West Yorkshire.

Accomplished in meeting the needs of horticultural, local authority, estate management, golf and sports turf sectors, this family-owned and run dealership employs a team of over 40 staff, headed-up by managing director Chris Gibson, his wife Hilary and son Thomas.

Chris Gibson said:

“We are delighted to have appointed someone of Phil’s calibre to join the GGM team and build our growth and the Kubota brand in the agricultural arena.

“We already have a strong and competent team that is capable of delivering first class customer service and support, with professional groundcare machinery. “And we’re confident of replicating that same level of support across the farming sector.”

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Stage V M-Series arrive in UK

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Stage V M-Series arrive in UK: Boarcross Ltd, based in Driffield in East Yorkshire, has taken delivery of the first of the new Bobcat Stage V M-Series skid-steer loaders coming to the UK.

The new S450 loader was supplied by AMS Bobcat Limited, the Authorised Bobcat Dealer for Lincolnshire and East and South Yorkshire. It represents the latest generation of Bobcat loaders at Boarcross, which has been using the Bobcat brand for more than 10 years.

Stage V M-Series arrive in UK

Stage V M-Series arrive in UK

Company Director, Andrew Corrigan, said: “We did consider other makes but based on our good experience with the Bobcat loaders over several years, we decided on the Bobcat range for the replacement for our existing S450 unit. I was also impressed by the increased service interval and higher reliability of the new Stage V machine.”

Boarcross carries out the complete pig farming process from farrowing to finishing. The company has two breeding locations from which piglets are taken to various pig finishing units around East and North Yorkshire. The new S450 Stage V model and the other five Bobcat loaders in the Boarcross fleet are used to handle the straw used in the sow units and for mucking out the finishing units. The compact nature of the Bobcat loaders is also ideal for cleaning out the company’s poultry sheds which house around 90,000 hens.

More Power, Less Noise, Lower Emissions, Yet Still Compact

As well as the new generation S450, Bobcat has also launched new versions of its market-leading M-Series S510 and S530 models, the first in the Bobcat range to feature a specially developed Stage V compliant Bobcat D24 engine. The new Stage V M-Series loaders provide operators with increased performance, enhanced comfort and optimised maintenance requirements to maximise job site efficiency

Skilful design work has ensured that even with the Bobcat Stage V engine incorporated, the small dimensions of the new S450, S510 and S530 skid-steer loaders are maintained, offering a truly compact size and low weight, so they can work/manoeuvre easily in tight spaces and can be easily transported.

The new Bobcat engine provides 37% more torque and fast recovery from overload compared to the previous machines, which ensures increased comfort for the operator as they can work with the same power at lower RPM, at lower noise levels and with lower fuel consumption for the same jobs.

By offering the same power at lower RPM, the new Bobcat engine provides a significant decrease in noise levels, reducing operator fatigue and lowering fuel consumption for the same type of work. In addition, with an engine equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as standard, users can work in emission-regulated zones such as city and town centres.

The new Bobcat engine has also allowed the company to extend maintenance intervals with the first service now being after 500 hours and to reduce the number of fuel filter replacements required.

The new Stage V loaders now feature the previously optional Deluxe control panel as standard, offering a choice of different languages and telematics to protect machines and to monitor their performance. Bobcat has also extended the choice of factory installed tyres for the three models, ensuring they can be more closely matched to customers’ applications right from the start.

More Than 25 Years as a Bobcat Dealer: Over 3500 Machines Sold

Established in 1992, AMS Bobcat, based in Scunthorpe, is one of the longest standing Bobcat dealers in Europe with well over 25 years in partnership with Bobcat in the UK. Over the intervening years, AMS has sold well in excess of 3500 new Bobcat units into a wide range of industries, including construction, agriculture, shipping, plant hire, mining, landscaping and demolition.

AMS is responsible for sales and service of Bobcat skid-steer, compact tracked and all wheel steer loaders, compact excavators, telehandlers and attachments in its area. AMS also offers a full selection of genuine Bobcat accessories and parts to support both new and existing Bobcat customers in its area. Customers benefit from AMS’s well-established on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance.

With well over 25 years of experience in the plant hire industry, AMS has also built up a state-of-the-art rental fleet of over 100 Bobcat machines, comprising compact loaders, compact excavators and telehandlers, complemented by a fleet of Bobcat attachments.

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

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