Tag Archive for: state-of-the-art

Howardson Group Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility

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Howardson Group Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility: Howardson Group, home to market leading brands Dennis Mowers, Hunter Grinders, and SISIS Machinery, officially opened its new purpose-built facility, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and investment.

The new building, located on the original Howardson site in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, will serve as a central hub for office space, warehousing, and cutting-edge training facilities, further solidifying Howardson’s commitment to training, education and customer support within the sector.

Howardson Group Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility

Howardson Group Unveils State-of-the-Art Facility

The grand opening commenced with an exclusive press day, offering attendees a unique and engaging experience. Members of the trade media were invited to participate in a variety of activities, including archery, rifle shooting, and clay shooting, fostering a memorable and interactive environment.

The following day, the official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place, with Managing Director Megan Oliver formally inaugurating the impressive new building. Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a tour of the modern facility, showcasing its advanced design and capabilities.

A key highlight of the event was a comprehensive round table discussion featuring the Howardson Group’s senior management team. Managing Director Megan Oliver, alongside representatives from sales and marketing, engineering, and HR, engaged in an insightful dialogue with the press. Discussions covered a wide range of pertinent subjects, including future product developments, the company’s enhanced training provisions, broader industry trends, and the market perception and future developments of the esteemed Howardson brands.

“This new building represents a pivotal moment for the Howardson Group,” stated Megan Oliver, Managing Director. “It is a tangible demonstration of our unwavering commitment to continued investment in infrastructure, equipment, and new products. This state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance our operational efficiency but also provide an exceptional environment for our team and customers. We are confident that this investment will future-proof our business for years to come, enabling us to continue leading the way in the industry.”

The new Howardson Group building underscores the company’s dedication to providing top-tier machinery and support to the sector globally, reinforcing its position as an industry leader.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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Avant Tecno UK Celebrates New State-of-the-Art Headquarters

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Avant Tecno UK Celebrates New State-of-the-Art Headquarters: Avant Tecno UK has officially unveiled its new multi-million-pound headquarters in Bury St Edmunds, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth and commitment to its UK operations.

Designed to facilitate Avant’s continued expansion, the 32,200 sq. ft purpose-built facility was crafted by local firm SEH French, with project management by Churchmanor Estates.

Avant Tecno UK Celebrates New State-of-the-Art Headquarters

Avant Tecno UK Celebrates New State-of-the-Art Headquarters

The grand opening of the headquarters was celebrated with an event welcoming trade and local media, partners, and esteemed guests, including the Ambassador of Finland to the United Kingdom, Jukka Siukosaari.

“This is a momentous occasion for Avant Tecno UK and our incredible team,” said Raimo Ala-Korpi, Managing Director of Avant Tecno UK. “The new headquarters is not only a symbol of our growth but also a stepping stone for our future aspirations. It’s a proud day for everyone involved and a testament to our commitment to delivering the best for our dealers, customers, and the community.”

Since establishing its presence in the UK in 1999, Avant Tecno UK has witnessed consistent growth. Previously operating near Thetford, the company identified the need for a larger, modern facility to support its operations and meet increasing demand. The new Bury St Edmunds headquarters reflects Avant’s forward-thinking vision, incorporating features that enhance efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.

The facility includes:

  • Modern office spaces to accommodate the growing team.
  • A showroom to display Avant’s renowned compact loaders, attachments and Leguan access platforms.
  • Dedicated training facilities to provide hands-on learning for dealers and end-users.
  • A warehouse with automated technologies to improve logistics and inventory management.
  • A technical workshop designed for hand-on training events, and equipment arrival checks.

The launch event began with a keynote address from Raimo, who highlighted the strategic importance of the new headquarters and its role in enhancing Avant Tecno UK’s operational efficiency and customer service.

“This investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to the UK market,” Raimo said. “It’s an opportunity to strengthen our dealer network, provide world-class training end-users, dealers and staff, and continue delivering cutting-edge solutions to our customers.”

Other speakers at the launch event included representatives from project partners Churchmanor Estates, LSI Architects, and SEH French, who detailed the project’s journey from conception to completion. They discussed the collaborative efforts and innovative techniques used to ensure the building met Avant’s high standards for quality and sustainability.

Ambassador Jukka Siukosaari, representing Finland at the event, praised Avant Tecno as an example of Finnish innovation and global excellence. During his speech, the Ambassador emphasised the importance of government support in helping Finnish companies like Avant expand internationally.

Guests at the event were treated to a guided tour of the new facility, offering a first-hand look at its innovative features. From the spacious training rooms to the automated warehouse systems, the headquarters highlights Avant Tecno UK’s focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

Following the tour, attendees gathered for a networking lunch, further strengthening the connections between Avant, its partners, and the local community.

As Avant Tecno UK settles into its new home, the company remains focused on its core mission: delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that empower its customers. The new headquarters in Bury St Edmunds is more than just a building—it is foundation for a new centre of excellence for multi-functional compact machinery.

For more information, please visit www.avant.co.uk

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Dubai Creek installs state-of-the-art irrigation system

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Dubai Creek installs state-of-the-art irrigation system: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club is nearing the completion of a significant investment to totally overhaul and modernise its on-course irrigation system, and further enhance course conditioning. 

This extensive project is set to be completed by October 2024 and will revolutionise the way the golf course is managed and maintained, in addition to taking a crucial step in the club’s journey towards greater sustainability.

Dubai Creek installs state-of-the-art irrigation system

Dubai Creek installs state-of-the-art irrigation system

The advanced upgrade includes the installation of new main lines, lateral lines, a cutting-edge sprinkler system, and a state-of-the-art computer system. In total, more than 3,000 sprinklers and 40 kilometres of pipe will be laid to ensure full irrigation coverage across all 18 holes, encompassing all tees, fairways, approaches, and greens.

“The irrigation overhaul provides Dubai Creek with the most advanced automated irrigation system available,” said David Taggart, Club Manager at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. “The golf course is our most important asset and water is our most important resource. By installing this new system, Dubai Golf is showing its commitment to providing the best possible playing conditions for members and guests, for many years to come. What’s more, we will be able to target our resources in much greater detail, saving significant time and more importantly 30,000,000 litres of water a year.”

One of the standout features of this new system, installed in partnership with Rain Bird, is the ability to control and monitor irrigation in real-time through tablets and smart phones. This level of intelligence and insight allows golf course maintenance managers to efficiently adapt to the changing conditions and apply the minimum amount of water required to produce excellent playing surfaces.

“Dubai Creek was named the number one golf resort in the UAE last year, and we are keen to continue driving the club forward and enhancing the playing experience even further. With this significant investment, the maintenance team at Dubai Creek will be able to work more accurately and efficiently, and ultimately deliver a golf course that is better conditioned than ever before,” said Chris May, CEO of Dubai Golf.

“This isn’t just an incremental improvement; it’s a total overhaul designed to bring Dubai Creek to the forefront of sustainable agronomy practices but also to the attention of golfers worldwide as a must-visit golfing destination,” he added.

Taggart commented: “Dubai Creek has built a significant legacy both locally and internationally since it opened in 1993. This sizeable investment allows the club to continue to build on that legacy and be prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. We are very proud of the excellent work our Superintendent, Harry Wells and his team produce and providing them with the state-of-the-art technology allows them to continue to set the standard for excellence in an environmentally responsible manner.”

The team at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club continue to build on the success of hosting the DP World Tour’s Dubai Invitational earlier this year in which Tommy Fleetwood beat Rory McIlroy down the stretch and entering the Golf World Top 100 World Golf Resorts at #43 and as #1 in the UAE.

For more information about Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, visit: https://dubaicreekresort.com/dubai-creek-golf-club/

For more information on Dubai Golf and its entire portfolio including Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Topgolf Dubai, Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, and Yas Acres Golf and Country Club, visit: https://dubaigolf.com/

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Gleneagles state-of-the-art irrigation system

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Gleneagles state-of-the-art irrigation system: Gleneagles, the iconic Scottish hotel and global luxury destination, has commenced a state-of-the-art irrigation project on its Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Centenary Course, former host to both the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup.

The significant five-month project will further enhance playing conditions across the 18-hole championship golf course and will see the installation of a new, highly-efficient Rain Bird irrigation management system that will help reduce both water usage and power consumption.

Gleneagles state-of-the-art irrigation system

Gleneagles state-of-the-art irrigation system

Beneath the golf course, 24.5 miles of new pipework will be laid along with 33.5 miles of cabling, and 1,414 individual sprinkler heads will be strategically positioned so water can be applied more accurately over an eight-hour cycle, without the need to close the golf course.

Director of Golf at Gleneagles, Andrew Jowett, commented: “As we’ve come to experience prolonged dry spells in recent years, our significant investment in the latest irrigation technology will ensure we’re fully prepared to maintain the golf course to the very highest standard in the years to come.

“From a practical perspective, the new system will allow us to irrigate every mown area of the course, including greens and surrounds, tee complexes, approaches and fairways, under the control of individual sprinkler heads, from a handheld device, at any time.”

The PGA Centenary Course will re-open for play in April 2024. Tee time bookings can be made here: https://gleneagles.com/offers/tee-time/

Located in the heart of Scotland, and an hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, Gleneagles remains the only venue in Europe to have staged professional golf’s most important team events (the Ryder Cup in 2014 and Solheim Cup in 2019). It also continues to be independently ranked as the UK & Ireland’s #1 Golf Resort*.

In addition to the PGA Centenary Course, members and guests can also experience two Top 100 ranked 18-hole James Braid classics in The King’s, a fast-running inland links-style design, and The Queen’s, regarded as one of the finest par-68 layouts in the UK.

Beyond the fairways, Gleneagles’ guests can unwind and relax at the award-winning hotel, where a wealth of food and drink options await, including The Strathearn, the theatrical Franco-Scottish dining experience, the Birnam Brasserie, a relaxed Mediterranean style restaurant serving the best Italian and French-style cuisine, or toast the day’s play in Auchterarder 70, overlooking the 18th greens of The King’s and Queen’s.

Gleneagles also boasts over 50 pursuits, including fly-fishing, falconry, cycling, off-roading, equestrian experiences and archery. Guests will also have use of a range of leisure facilities, including the pitch-and-putt course, lawn games and outdoor tennis courts.

*Golf World Top 100 Best Golf Resorts UK & Ireland ranking 2023.

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STIHL’s new state-of-the-art HQ

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STIHL’s new state-of-the-art HQ: STIHL GB held a groundbreaking ceremony this week to mark the first official day of construction of its new 11,500m2 purpose-designed headquarters and state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Camberley, Surrey.

Chairman of the Executive Board at STIHL AG, Michael Traub, STIHL GB Managing Director, Kay Green, Mayor of Surrey Heath, Councillor Helen Whitcroft, and Managing Director London and South at Glencar Construction, Roy Jones, attended the ceremony to turn the first soil and announce the official commencement of works on the site.

STIHL's new state-of-the-art HQ

STIHL’s new state-of-the-art HQ

Due for completion in 2023, the site will be home to nearly 100 employees and will boast dedicated dealer training facilities, an on-site restaurant, flexible collaborative workspaces and a technical workshop.

The new 9,000m2 warehouse space will utilise the latest picking and storage system technology to maximise productivity, efficiency and the use of space. All logistics will now be consolidated onto one site, meaning a speedier and more efficient delivery service to the 700 strong STIHL dealer network.

Kay Green, Managing Director of STIHL GB, commented: “The groundbreaking ceremony is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for STIHL GB and the result of a sustained period of growth in recent years. Our new purpose-built headquarters represents a significant capital investment and is a commitment to the future for our dealers and end user customers.”

The new HQ boasts first class environmental credentials including BREEAM Certification, the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for building projects. In addition, it is proposed that two-thirds of the total roof area (1600m2) will be covered with photovoltaic solar panels to provide power to the new facility, as well as the installation of EV charging points.

The new headquarters will be connected to Blackwater railway station by a dedicated cycle path and will feature landscaped gardens with native shrubs and trees and a wildflower meadow, which forms part of an integrated flood risk mitigation zone on the former Thames Water Utilities site.

Furthermore, three biodiversity offset planting schemes will be implemented in the local area, which will replace the greenery that has been removed during construction, as well as adding an additional 10% planting provision. All the planting has been carefully selected so that only native species are planted.

For more information, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

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