Tag Archive for: Strengthens

Baroness UK strengthens Welsh coverage

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Baroness UK strengthens Welsh coverage: Baroness UK are pleased to be adding further strength to their nationwide dealer network with the appointment of Jenkins Garden Machinery. From their depot in Llanelli, the family-run firm will be responsible for the sales, service and support of the full Baroness professional range to customers in the Swansea (SA) postcode.

Founded in 2010, Jenkins Garden Machinery offer a comprehensive range of ride-on and hand-held equipment for both the professional and domestic market – delivering quality machinery solutions backed up with superior customer service. Baroness becomes the latest in a growing list of leading brands within their expanding commercial portfolio, bringing the full range of pedestrian and ride-on mowers and maintenance implements to golf courses and sports venues from Port Talbot and Llandovery in the east, to Pembroke and Aberystwyth on the west coast.

Baroness UK strengthens Welsh coverage

Baroness UK strengthens Welsh coverage

On the news Emyr Jenkins, Managing Director of Jenkins Garden Machinery, said, “Our strategy over the last few years has been to grow our commercial offering. As we have moved more and more into this area of the market, we have actively been seeking out a quality franchise to allow us to service the requirements of the golf market in South and West Wales. We have been in talks with Baroness for a while and following our visit to their facility in Basingstoke we were convinced that this was the right move for us.”

He adds, “Their attitude to aftersales and quality mirrors our own business giving us confidence that this will be a solid partnership for the future.”

Echoing the positive sentiments, Baroness Area Sales Manager Paul Watson said, “We are delighted to welcome Jenkins Garden Machinery to the Baroness dealer network. From the first meeting they impressed us all with their professional attitude and enthusiasm to provide the right solution for their customers. With the expert support of Emyr and the team, we are excited to bring our product to an area where Baroness haven’t had specific coverage for some time.”

For more information on Jenkins Garden Machinery or to get in contact, visit www.jenkinsgm.co.uk 

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Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments

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Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments: Etesia UK has announced three new appointments as the company continues to invest in its people, dealer network and customer support.

Steven Massey has joined as Business Development Manager, Jim Maynard has taken on the role of Technical and After Sales Support, and Lisa Brown steps into the position of Office Manager.

Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments

Etesia UK Strengthens Team with Three Key Appointments

With decades of combined industry experience, the new additions are set to strengthen Etesia UK’s presence across the grounds care sector while reinforcing its reputation for quality products and dependable back-up.

Steven Massey joins Etesia UK following a long and respected career within the grounds care industry. Having left school in 1988, Steven spent 10 years as a mechanic at GGM (Gibson’s Garden Machinery) before moving into sales in 1998 – a role he has held ever since, working exclusively within the sector.

“I’ve always sold grounds care equipment,” Steven explained. “I’ve worked with local authorities for most of my career, which is really my strong point, and I’m well known within the industry and the customer network.”

Steven’s relationship with the Etesia brand spans more than a decade, having worked with the machines during his time at Burrows Grass Machinery and later Sharrocks, both Etesia dealers. That familiarity made the transition into his new role a natural one.

“I want to make sure that Etesia products are at the forefront of people’s thoughts when they’re looking at buying machines,” he said. “People want efficient cut-and-collect machines, and whenever you demo an Etesia product, the feedback is always the same – how easy it is to use and how well it collects, even in the wet. Etesia really sets the standard there.”

As Business Development Manager, Steven’s focus is firmly on growing the brand while maintaining strong relationships with existing customers and dealers. “It’s about keeping existing business but also looking for new business,” he said. “You can never take your eye off either. My goal is to make Etesia the number one choice, when customers are looking to invest in new equipment.”

Joining Steven is Jim Maynard, who brings extensive technical and aftersales expertise to his role as Technical and After Sales Support. Jim began his career as a greenkeeper before moving into contracting and then training as a technician. He spent 21 years with John Deere before taking on senior technical support and training roles at Reesink, where he helped establish and support nationwide dealer networks.

“I absolutely love supporting dealers and technicians,” Jim said. “Helping people, solving problems and giving them the confidence to get the best out of the product – that’s what I enjoy most.”

At Etesia UK, Jim will be responsible for dealer technical support, training, warranty administration and registrations, ensuring that dealers and end users receive the highest levels of aftersales care.

“Excellent aftersales support is about trust,” Jim explained. “If you can gain that trust, you’re halfway there. It’s about being there for people, picking up the phone, helping them when they need it – that support makes all the difference.”

Completing the trio is Lisa Brown, who takes on the role of Office Manager. With experience across sales operations and administration, Lisa will become a key point of contact for Etesia UK, providing vital support to the wider team, dealers and customers alike. Her role is central to the smooth day-to-day running of the business, ensuring communication, coordination and customer service remain at the high standards Etesia is known for.

Together, the three appointments mark an important step forward for Etesia UK. With strengthened business development, enhanced technical support and robust operational management, the company is well positioned for continued success.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk.

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on X @EtesiaUK and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/EtesiaUK. You can also view the latest Etesia videos by visiting www.youtube.com/EtesiaUK

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Bernhard and Company strengthens elite stadium pitches across Morocco

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Bernhard and Company strengthens elite stadium pitches across Morocco: Bernhard and Company has reinforced its position at the forefront of elite sports turf technology with the installation of SubAir Systems at three of Morocco’s most iconic football stadiums, supporting pitch performance during one of the most high-profile international tournaments on the football calendar.

SubAir Systems have now been installed at:

  • Grand Stade de Tangier – Tangier
  • Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium – Rabat
  • Stade Mohammed V – Casablanca
Bernhard and Company strengthens elite stadium pitches across Morocco

Bernhard and Company strengthens elite stadium pitches across Morocco

The installations form part of a wider strategy by stadium operators to ensure consistent, resilient, and controllable playing surfaces, capable of performing under intense scheduling, climatic pressure and global scrutiny.

With Morocco set to host a major international football tournament, pitch performance has become a critical focus. Heavy rainfall, tight turnaround times, and high expectations from players, broadcasters, and governing bodies place significant demands on natural turf systems.

For the turf teams, drainage and moisture control have been central priorities. “Drainage is absolutely critical for us,” explained Taha Hassoune, Pitch Manager at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. “In the past, we’ve experienced periods where rainfall overwhelmed traditional drainage systems, and that directly impacts firmness, playability, and preparation time.”

Hassoune added: “Installing SubAir Systems has made a huge difference. By having the ability to pull moisture down and out through the rootzone, we’re encouraging deeper, more fibrous roots.”

Steve Wilson, Bernhard and Company’s Global Business Development Manager for Turf Technologies, commented: “It has been fantastic to work alongside Taha and the other pitch maintenance teams to install the SubAir Systems and see them make improvements using the technology. If the pitches in Morocco become too soft, the SubAir allows them to dry the turf and regain firmness, which is a crucial element for football tournaments.”

He added: “The world’s best stadiums are investing in SubAir because it gives them control over moisture, firmness, recovery, and consistency, exactly when it matters most. In preparation for major international tournaments, there’s no margin for error, so having the safety net of SubAir is a huge advantage.”

Alongside SubAir, the stadiums are using Soil Scout sensors (distributed by Bernhard and Company in the UK, Ireland and more recently North America) to monitor moisture and temperature levels, helping the teams understand changes within the profile to allow for proactive response.

The projects were delivered in collaboration with Sports Turf Maroc, one of Morocco’s leading pitch builders, recognised for their willingness to innovate and experiment with new technologies.

To learn more about SubAir Systems, subsurface control, head online to: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/subair/

To find out more about Bernhard and Company and its full range of product offerings, head to: https://bernhard.co.uk/

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STIHL strengthens its global network in Oradea

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STIHL strengthens its global network in Oradea: The STIHL Group has officially opened its first battery-only production site in Oradea, Romania. The investment of €125 million marks a major milestone in the company’s transformation toward battery technology and strengthens its European manufacturing footprint. 

The new facility becomes STIHL’s European centre of competence to produce battery packs and battery-powered tools, adding a key hub to the Group’s global network. Designed as a core element of the Group’s international production network, the site will play a central role in meeting the growing demand for battery-powered products across European markets.

STIHL strengthens its global network in Oradea

STIHL strengthens its global network in Oradea

Construction began in March 2024 and was completed in less than 18 months. The factory will gradually ramp up operations to reach an annual capacity of 1 million battery packs by 2026. By 2028, output is expected to rise to 1.8 million battery packs and 1.7 million battery-powered tools. Production initially focuses on battery-powered blowers and AP battery packs from the professional STIHL range. Over time, the portfolio will expand to include additional battery-powered equipment such as brush cutters, chainsaws, and other tools.

The new facility has 47,000 square metres of operational space on a 147,000 square metres site. The plant is equipped with flexible multi-product production lines and a high degree of automation, integrating Industry 4.0 principles that ensure digital traceability, optimised processes, and outstanding operational efficiency.

Expansion of global network to drive future growth

Battery technology has become a major growth driver for the company. Today, more than one in four of all STIHL products sold worldwide are battery-powered. The company aims to increase this share to approximately 35% by 2027 and to about 80% by 2035, a clear reflection of the accelerating transformation in the industry.

“The new plant in Oradea expands our global network and strengthens STIHL’s position in the fast-growing battery segment. It is a vital addition that will secure our long-term competitiveness in Europe and support our customers with high-performance products developed and built for professionals and demanding consumers worldwide,” said Dr. Nikolas Stihl, Chairman of the Advisory and Supervisory Board.

The decision to build the new plant in Oradea reflects STIHL’s strategy to strengthen its European footprint and to locate production close to key markets. The city offers excellent logistical connections, a modern infrastructure, and access to a highly qualified workforce, ideal conditions for sustainable industrial growth within the European Union.

During the opening event on October 15, 2025, Prime Minister of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, emphasised the national significance of the investment: “The STIHL factory in Oradea is not merely an economic investment. It is a powerful signal that Romania can be a reliable partner, a competitive industrial destination, and a place where things can be done well to European standards. This investment represents jobs, cutting-edge technology, a genuine transfer of know-how, and positions Romania at the heart of an industry undergoing continuous transformation. I thank everyone who contributed to this project, the STIHL team, local authorities, technical partners, and all those who worked on site day after day. It is the result of a shared, responsible effort.”

Continuing this point, Florin-Alin Birta, Mayor of Oradea Municipality, highlighted the importance for the local economy: “The fact that an international group such as STIHL has chosen Oradea for an investment of this magnitude confirms the city’s attractiveness and its strong development direction. The Oradea City Hall consistently supports investments that bring added value to the community, aware that a dynamic economic environment is the engine of prosperity. Our goal is to strengthen Oradea’s position as a city open to innovation, performance, and collaboration with reputable investors.

“Through major projects such as the STIHL factory, we demonstrate that sustainable development and competitiveness can go hand in hand, transforming Oradea into an increasingly attractive industrial and technological hub at both regional and European levels.”

The success of the Oradea project is also a story of people and partnership. Thanks to the close cooperation between STIHL experts from Germany, the local management team and regional partners, the new plant was completed efficiently and on schedule.  This joint effort not only created a modern production facility but also laid a strong foundation for the company’s future in Romania.

The organisational setup of the new site was overseen by Dr. Robert Feulner, Managing Director of the newly founded ANDREAS STIHL Power Tools S.R.L. “The new Oradea plant reflects both technological excellence and strong local collaboration. We feel very much at home here and are impressed by the professionalism and commitment of the people in this region. It’s clear that choosing Oradea was the right decision for STIHL’s future.”

Recruitment and training are progressing steadily. The plant currently employs around 135 people and will reach approximately 700 employees by 2028. STIHL aims to become one of the most attractive employers in the region, offering long-term career opportunities, modern working conditions, and a corporate culture valued by nearly 20,000 employees worldwide.

State-of-the-art manufacturing plant

The Oradea plant combines advanced production technology with a strong focus on sustainability. Flexible, multi-product assembly lines allow the site to adapt quickly to different battery models and tool types. A high level of automation and the integration of Industry 4.0 principles ensure digital traceability, data-driven quality control, and high operational efficiency.

Sustainability was a central design principle from the very beginning. The facility has been certified by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) with the gold standard, recognising its energy-efficient construction and use of renewable energy systems. The combination of photovoltaic and a geothermal system significantly reduces fossil fuel use. During the day and under favourable weather conditions, the plant can generate renewable energy to cover its internal electricity demand.

Biodiversity goals were also taken into account, as the factory features green roofs, more than 250 newly planted trees, and the preservation of an existing forest area within the site, ensuring a balanced coexistence between industrial activity and the surrounding environment.

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

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Green-tech Strengthens Irish Presence

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Green-tech Strengthens Irish Presence: Green-tech, the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping and tree planting materials, is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Gavin Saunders as Business Development Manager for Ireland. Gavin joined the business on 1st July, 2025 and has been working closely with customers and partners across the island.

Gavin brings a wealth of sales, e-commerce and horticultural experience from across the UK and Ireland, spanning growing media, landscaping, and the wider garden and retail sectors. He has run independent enterprises, developed new products for the trade and retail markets, and supported business growth. With extensive experience in both retail and amenity horticulture, and a strong track record of working across technical, creative and operational teams, Gavin is well placed to support Green-tech’s growth plans in Ireland. He will focus on managing existing accounts, identifying new opportunities, and strengthening Green-tech’s presence across the region.

Green-tech Strengthens Irish Presence

Green-tech Strengthens Irish Presence

“Green-tech’s presence in Ireland has grown significantly over the last three years and Gavin’s appointment signals our intent to build on that solid foundation,” says Richard Gill, Sales Director at Green-tech. “Gavin has the right blend of sector knowledge, customer focus and energy to help us unlock further opportunities and provide even more value to our Irish customers. I am delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Green-tech has seen sustained growth in Ireland in recent years, with increasing demand from landscape contractors, landscape architects, local authorities, and environmental consultants for its wide-ranging portfolio of high-quality landscaping products. This includes urban and rural tree planting systems, grass seed and erosion control solutions. The company is exploring other product offerings in the market based on feedback from their Irish customer base.

Green-tech operates a dedicated distribution depot in Londonderry, enabling fast and reliable delivery of core products across Ireland. The depot is a key part of the company’s long-term strategy to invest in infrastructure that ensures logistical efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and greater responsiveness to local customer needs.

Gavin’s appointment marks a new chapter in the development of Green-tech’s Irish operations, bringing in fresh expertise and focus at a time when investment in blue-green infrastructure, biodiversity and climate resilience is at the top of the agenda.

Speaking about his new role, Gavin Saunders comments, “I’m excited to be joining Green-tech as it continues to grow and develop its business in Ireland. I’m very much looking forward to supporting customers, delivering a great service nationwide, and contributing to the future growth of Green-tech across Ireland.”

Gavin’s appointment further reinforces Green-tech’s commitment to supporting customers, delivering innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions for landscape and environmental projects of all sizes.

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