Tag Archive for: Upgrade

Rhenac Sustainable Technology Set to Upgrade Pitch

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Rhenac Sustainable Technology Set to Upgrade Pitch: Rhenac is proud to announce the installation of its state-of-the-art CLS® (Complete Light Spectrum) mobile grow lighting systems at Leigh Sports Village.

The project represents a significant dedication to sustainability and sporting excellence, ensuring high-quality pitch conditions for all four professional teams using the venue for football and rugby.

Rhenac Sustainable Technology Set to Upgrade Pitch

Rhenac Sustainable Technology Set to Upgrade Pitch

The contract has been awarded to Turf Lighting Solutions (TLS), part of the Rhenac Group. Based in Standish, Wigan, TLS and their Germany based parent company Rhenac have an outstanding international portfolio, delivering installations for venues including Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and FC Schalke 04 in Germany.

Striking the right balance between international expertise and local economic support was essential for the council, who were keen to back a Wigan borough-based business while equipping Leigh Sports Village with technology that would enhance pitch quality and contribute to the borough’s environmental objectives.

The new Rhenac CLS® systems are at the forefront of environmentally friendly turf management. Intelligent sensors and automated controls ensure the right light, colour spectrum and temperature are delivered precisely when required, promoting strong, healthy turf growth while minimising energy consumption. Integrated UV-C technology helps to manage fungus and disease naturally, while built-in heat panels support recovery and growth during colder periods.

Use of the latest CLS LEDs technology results in turf that requires less water and fertiliser, further reducing the environmental impact. With more than 600 TLS rigs operating across 25 countries, the aluminium frames are proven in some of the world’s most demanding sporting environments. Each unit is constructed from lightweight, anti-rust aluminium that is 100% recyclable, combining durability, efficiency and full material recovery at the end of its service life. With all lighting components and spare parts guaranteed to be available for the next ten years, the system offers venues a secure and future-proof investment supported by a strong service network.

Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet member at Wigan Council and board member of Leigh Sports Village, said: “Leigh Sports Village is home to incredible athletes, champion teams, and has hosted international events, and it is a key community asset for local people. I am delighted that a borough-based business will deliver this upgrade, in line with our community wealth building ambitions to invest in our local economy.”

Leigh Sports Village is now benefitting directly from this proven technology, transitioning from traditional TLS HPS lighting rigs to Rhenac’s advanced LED systems and delivering a 40% reduction in energy, water, and fertiliser use. The upgrade marks a major step forward in aligning with Wigan Council’s sustainability targets and enhancing the long-term performance of the stadium’s playing surfaces.

Keith Porter, Head Groundsman at Leigh Sports Village, explains: “With high-pressure sodium bulbs set to be phased out by 2030 due to their carbon footprint and high running costs, utilising artificial light and heat in photosynthesis has been a game changer. CLS technology offers the additional ability to precisely control conditions for turf needs, so we are looking forward to implementing this in conjunction with Rhenac TLS.

“Thanks to proactive investment, we will significantly reduce our environmental impact, a major win for Leigh Sports Village and our nearby Pennington Flash Nature Reserve. Huge thanks to Wigan Council for their investment.”

Mark Sinnett, Managing Director of TLS, continues: “Leigh Sports Village is a complex, multi-sport venue that also stages major concerts, so it needs a lighting system that’s efficient, adaptable and environmentally responsible.

“With our sensor-driven CLS technology, the turf now receives targeted and efficient treatment, ensuring optimal growth conditions with minimal energy use.

“This precision control, together with innovative LED laminators, delivers significant energy savings while maintaining ideal growing conditions and reducing waste. Combined with independently operated heat panels, the system supports faster, healthier turf recovery all year round. The addition of smaller RML 50 units provides even greater flexibility across the site, ensuring every area performs consistently and aligns perfectly with Wigan Council’s sustainability goals.”

Through this collaboration, Wigan Council and Leigh Sports Village are setting new standards in sustainable sports turf management by bringing global innovation to local sport and supporting Wigan Council’s wider commitment to achieve Carbon Net Zero by 2038.

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Pleasington Golf Club reopens after course upgrade

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Pleasington Golf Club reopens after course upgrade: Pleasington Golf Club will reopen all 18 holes to visitors on April 10 following a £1 million course upgrade.

The venue, rated among Golf Monthly magazine’s Top 200 Courses in the UK & Ireland and the No.1 heathland course in Lancashire, has undergone an extensive five-year renovation.

Pleasington Golf Club reopens after course upgrade

Pleasington Golf Club reopens after course upgrade

General Manager, Mark Bleasdale, commented: “The course has undergone a remarkable transformation and is looking sensational and playing magnificently.

“We’ve enhanced every aspect of the playing experience from tee to green, including the reshaping of every bunker. We look forward to welcoming back visitors from across the North West and further afield, including the many golf travellers who stop off on their way to and from Scotland.”

As a 12-time Open Qualifying venue, Pleasington Golf Club has firmly established itself as one of the country’s top golf destinations.

The high heathland layout offers golfers a rewarding challenge with stunning views to the Pennines, Lakes and Fylde coast, where exceptional golf and breathtaking scenery meet.

Just one hour from Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds, Pleasington Golf Club is easily accessible via the M6 motorway, making it ideally situated for golfers travelling from both near and far.

To book your tee time, please visit: https://www.pleasington-golf.co.uk/visitors/visitors-green-fees/

For more information on Pleasington Golf Club, please view the Digital Brochure

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Royal Troon greenkeepers get compound upgrade

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Royal Troon greenkeepers get compound upgrade: Royal Troon Golf Club has upgraded its greenkeepers compound, incorporating state-of-the-art locker rooms, ahead of this summer’s 152nd Open.

The 145-year-old club, based in South Ayrshire, Scotland, has made a large investment in a new welfare block, which includes offices, a staff room, a kitchen, wet and dry changing facilities, showers and toilets.

Royal Troon greenkeepers get compound upgrade

Royal Troon greenkeepers get compound upgrade

The changing rooms feature 28 modern lockers and benches to cater for the dedicated team responsible for maintaining the club’s pristine courses.

The investment aims to support the 20 greenkeeping staff preparing to host the Championship in July.

Locit, the manufacturer of the Pure Lockers brand, partnered with distributor Nationwide Lockers to deliver the slate grey steel lockers to the specifications of contractor Fleming Build.

Stephen Anthony, Club Secretary at Royal Troon Golf Club, said: “The club is delighted with the new facilities, including the lockers, for our 20 greenkeepers. 

“The move to personal lockers provides a secure space for our team’s belongings. 

“The club is committed to the well-being of every employee and this upgrade speaks volumes about the value the club places on our dedicated team of greenkeepers and their integral role in maintaining our course’s international standards.”

John Burns, Project lead and Site Manager for Fleming Build, based in Glasgow, said: “The recent enhancement to the greenkeepers’ compound underscores Royal Troon’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities for its dedicated employees.

“The decision to work with Nationwide as a locker supplier was influenced by price, a quick lead time, colour customisation and fast installation. Pure Lockers were the best buy and ensured a seamless delivery process for Royal Troon. Collaborating with Locit and Nationwide Lockers reinforced our commitment to quality project delivery.”

Pure Lockers are the world’s first carbon-neutral steel lockers. Each product is PAS 2060 certified, the internationally recognised specification for carbon neutrality published by the British Standards Institution (BSI).

Locit manufactures from a state-of-the-art digital manufacturing facility in Deeside using 3D CAD/CAM software solutions that enable the design of products with minimum waste materials. The factory also uses an innovative curing process at a lower temperature than the industry standard to guarantee the highest quality and 40% energy savings.

Kevin Elliott, Business Development Manager, at Locit said: “At Locit, we take pride in our commitment to delivering excellence to our clients. We understand that each client has unique requirements, and our approach is collaborative. We work closely with our clients to tailor Pure Lockers to their needs, ensuring that every detail aligns with their vision.”

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Etesia’s Bahia recharged with battery upgrade

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Etesia’s Bahia recharged with battery upgrade: Etesia’s Bahia M2E – the world’s first 100% electric professional ride-on-mower with grass collection, is now available with a lithium battery option.

The Etesia Bahia M2EL is powered by a 51.2V, 100Ah lithium battery which enables users to get up to 3hrs 30 mins of action before it needs recharging. The new lithium option is also 85kgs lighter compared to the older lead acid battery version.

Etesia’s Bahia recharged with battery upgrade

Etesia’s Bahia recharged with battery upgrade

A pocket-size ride-on mower, just 0.82 m wide and 1.98 m long, the Etesia M2EL features an incredibly tight turning circle. It nips into every nook and cranny and can be easily transported.

With its low centre of gravity, the Etesia M2EL 33/67 weight distribution on the front/rear axles make it a highly stable mower that masterfully copes with slopes.

Furthermore, its 240-litre collection box is fed by a wide discharge chute ensuring very good filling of the material.

Further benefits include

  • Efficient in high or wet grass
  • Perfectly collects dead leaves
  • Mulching kit delivered as standard
  • Automatic gearbox for instant forward, reverse and braking
  • Easy maintenance with quick access to all mechanical parts
  • Perfect visibility on the working environment.
  • All functions are accessible from the driver’s seat
  • Mechanically welded support frame
  • A wide range of accessories available
  • Converter for 48 V electric accessories: hedge trimmers, edgers

It is also highly economical – the running costs are £0.35 against £3.57 for the petrol version and there are the obvious reduced maintenance costs – such as no engine belt, no filters, and no engine oil.

For more information, visit www.etesia.co.uk

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Etesia UK on Twitter @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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Course chooses John Deere for fleet upgrade

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Course chooses John Deere for fleet upgrade: One of the finest golf courses in the UK has made a significant investment in its future with the purchase of a fleet of machines to support the greenkeeping team.

Trevose Golf and Country Club, near Padstow in Cornwall, is currently 66th in the coveted top 100 rankings and prides itself on the presentation and playability of the par-72 Championship links, nine-hole Peter Aliss designed Headland course, and neighbouring nine-hole Short Course.

Course chooses John Deere for fleet upgrade

Course chooses John Deere for fleet upgrade

Course Manager, Neil Ivamy, and his staff are responsible for maintaining the high standards set at the club, which has a rich history since being founded in 1925.

That includes ensuring his greenkeepers have the best tools at their disposal, and a recent deal struck with John Deere dealer Masons Kings has seen a new fleet of 10 machines including mowers, utility vehicles and a compact tractor which have been added to the club’s machinery shed.

The new kit represents a change of manufacturer for Neil’s team, but he says they are very happy with their decision.

“It has always been important to us to use the best machinery and equipment for our course,” Neil said.

“We chose the John Deere range as it was a proven and high-quality product and we have received excellent support – not just through the purchase process, but also through their proactiveness and machinery training.

“Having a local dealer and support staff who are always available to help us with any questions or queries has been invaluable and the service team has been excellent in providing any product support requirements.

“The feedback we have been getting from players and staff has been excellent and having a local dealer that supports us like Masons Kings have has been fantastic in our transition to John Deere.”

Trevose’s team now runs a 9009A wide area mower, a 4066R compact tractor, a TS Gator and three HPX-815E Gators. The club’s greens and tees are now cut with four 2750E E-cut triplex mowers.

Sean Williams, Assistant Greenkeeper and the man with the responsibility for machinery maintenance, said he is happy with the move to John Deere kit.

He said: “The functionality of the machines, such as setting up the cylinders and future maintenance, is easy and has saved me hours of time. You can use the tech control system to set the same quality of cut, regardless of operator.”

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