Tag Archive for: years

50 years of excellence

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50 years of excellence: Irish Farm & Garden Machinery (IFGM) celebrates 50 years of business this year. The company, one of Europe’s leading independent distributors of outdoor power equipment, remains family owned and run, now managed by second generation Paul Butterly (Managing Director), and brother Kieran (Technical Director). Although retired, Mum (and co-founder) Eileen, continues to pop into the Dublin office around three days a week – just to ensure that the business continues to operate smoothly.

“We’re thrilled to have reached this milestone” says Paul. “This is a tough industry and the fact that we’re here in 2024, bigger and stronger than ever, is simply amazing”.

50 years of excellence

50 years of excellence

Asked how IFGM has successfully navigated multiple recessions, turbulent trading conditions and technologically driven changes in consumer demand over the past 50 years, Paul says: “We’ve always focused on keeping the company very nimble and this gives us a lot of flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions. We’ve been careful in the rate of our expansion, gradually building the business over time, only working with the very best brands in the industry. No matter what is happening in the economy, people will always buy quality product that offers the best value-for-money.”

In 2006, the business purchased U.K distributor Claymore Grass Machinery, now known as FGM Claymore, an acquisition that greatly extended the reach of the company. In 2022, the business was awarded U.K distribution rights for ECHO which, following the appointment in Ireland a few years earlier, made IFGM the third largest ECHO distributor in Europe.

The team at IFGM celebrated the anniversary during a special event held on the 28 February in Athlone. Dealers from all over the country, alongside special guests from Briggs & Stratton and Yamabiko, joined the Butterly family to celebrate this important anniversary.

Paul gave a special presentation that covered the history of the company, sharing anecdotes alongside the major milestones that made up the IFGM story. There were congratulatory video messages from garden machinery suppliers in New Zealand, Japan, and Italy, alongside special in-person presentations from Briggs & Stratton and Yamabiko.

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Avant Dealer Awards Mark 25 Years in the UK

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Avant Dealer Awards Mark 25 Years in the UK: Avant Tecno, a pioneering force in the compact loader industry, recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary in the UK with a spectacular event held at Carrow Road Stadium in Norwich, Norfolk. The occasion not only marked a quarter-century of Avant’s presence in the UK but also served as an opportunity to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of its dedicated dealers through the Avant Dealer Awards.

Avant Tecno: A Legacy of Innovation Since 1991

Since its establishment in 1991, Avant Tecno has been a trailblazer in the manufacturing of compact loaders. With a production milestone of over 70,000 loaders at their state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Ylöjärvi, Finland, the company has left an indelible mark on the industry. Avant’s global reach includes sales offices in Germany, the UK, and the US, along with import partners in more than 55 countries. Avant machines have been a staple in the UK for 25 years, with a rapidly expanding network of regional dealers covering the entire nation.

Avant Dealer Awards Mark 25 Years in the UK

Avant Dealer Awards Mark 25 Years in the UK

The recent Avant Dealer Awards served as a fitting occasion to express gratitude to the network of dealers who have played a pivotal role in the brand’s growth and success.

Avant Dealer Awards 2023: Recognising Excellence

The awards ceremony at Carrow Road Stadium, home of Norwich City FC, saw deserving dealers acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to Avant Tecno’s success. The winners included:

 

  • Eco Award 2023: Ben Burgess & Co Ltd.
  • After Sales and Customer Care: Avant South East Ltd
  • Largest Growth: Essener Equipment Co.
  • Recognition Award: Davies Implements Ltd.
  • Most Machines Sold: Essener Equipment Co.
  • Leguan Dealer of the Year: Ben Burgess & Co Ltd.
  • Avant Dealer of the Year: Ferrybridge Ltd.

One standout winner of the evening was Ferrybridge Ltd., recognised as the Avant Dealer of the Year. With nearly two decades of expertise in the Plant and Machinery industry, Ferrybridge has recently emerged as an authorised dealer for all Avant compact loader products in Ireland.

Andrew Shore from Ferrybridge expressed delight at winning the prestigious award, highlighting the opportunity to align with another world-renowned brand like Avant. He emphasised the versatility and strength of Avant machinery, noting their adaptability to various industries such as equine, landscaping, and tree surgery.

“The beauty of the Avant brand is that it has given us a doorway into a lot of industries. You name the industry, and we have probably sold an Avant machine into it. Becoming an Avant dealer was a good opportunity for us to get another world-renowned strong brand.”

“Winning the award was an extremely pleasant surprise – we have only been selling the machines for just over a year now. We’ve put a lot of work into it to really try and push the products, and it has been going really well. It is great to be recognised.”

Andrew also praised Avant’s commitment to innovation, highlighting the simplicity of operation and the extensive range of over 200 attachments that cater to a multitude of tasks: “There is an attachment for every job that needs to be done,” he said.

As Avant Tecno looks ahead to the future, the recent Dealer Awards underscore the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and the enduring partnerships with its valued dealers that have been integral to its success over the past 25 years.

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

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77 years of SALTEX for Dennis Mowers

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77 years of SALTEX for Dennis Mowers: Dennis Mowers is continuing its long-standing tradition of being at every SALTEX since the show was founded and will be showcasing a wide range of leading battery-powered equipment on stand E070.

SALTEX visitors can expect to see the following line-up of products on the Dennis Mowers stand:

77 years of SALTEX for Dennis Mowers

77 years of SALTEX for Dennis Mowers

ES-510

This new mower is based on the Dennis FT510, with a choice of 12 interchangeable cassettes, the ES-510 is capable of scarifying down to -10mm. Ideal for fine turf it has the power to cut 4-5 bowling greens or approximately 10km on a single charge.

The current FT cassettes will also fit the ES-510.

ES-860

Users of the Dennis G860 cylinder mower will no doubt see familiarities in the new ES-860. This 34” battery powered turf management system delivers maximum versatility and the range of 13 interchangeable cassette options provide a solution to many day-to-day maintenance tasks. The power of the battery system ensures the machine is capable of cutting at least 3-4 pitches on a single charge or verticutting a full pitch without anxiety. Furthermore, current G860 cassettes will also fit the ES-860.

ES-36

The ES-36 provides a perfect finish every time and capable of cutting 2-3 pitches on a single charge. The powerful battery system allows the addition of a trailer seat to be attached and still achieve a minimum of 20km of cutting. A uniquely developed micro adjuster makes it very easy to set the bottom blade to cylinder.

ES-34R

The ES-34R rotary mower has twin contra rotating blades with the height of cut controlled by an easy to use ‘click’ system. Suction and blade speed can be adapted to meet the most challenging collection conditions. The mower is also available with optional front wheels, smooth or wiele roller, and has excellent sight lines.

ES-22 Ultra

Users of the Dennis Razor Ultra will be familiar with this machine, which features an ultra-short wheelbase for undulating surfaces. Using a 7 or 11 bladed cutting cylinder and groomer reel, this 560mm (22”) battery mower produces a quality of cut which provides an ultra-fine finish on bowling greens, golf greens and tees, and cricket pitches.

ES-26

Easy to use, superb balance, control, and easy pull back for accurate alignment of next run are just some of the features of the ES-26. With a 26” cutting width, this mower is available with a standard front roller for maintaining fine turf sports surfaces such as golf greens and tees, or with the larger front roller for maintaining ornamental lawns and gardens.

The E-Series features a robust LCD keypad screen which provides the operator with a multitude of information options including speed, clip rate, service checks, lifetime running reports and battery information. The mowers take just 2-3 hours for an ultra-fast full battery recharge.

For further information or a no obligation demonstration, please contact Dennis 01332 824 777 or visit www.dennisuk.com

For more news, reviews and insightful views, you can follow Dennis on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn @DennisMowers and like the company’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DennisMowersUK.You can also view the latest Dennis videos by visiting www.youtube.com/DennisMowers

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Sharon Morris retires after 43 years at Mansfield Sand

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Sharon Morris retires after 43 years at Mansfield Sand: After 43 years of working for Mansfield Sand, the ever-popular Sharon Morris is retiring.

Sharon originally trained to be an accountant before working for Mansfield Sand. She started as a credit controller for the company and worked her way through the accounts department in various roles before eventually becoming the office manager. Sharon didn’t stop there, however.

Sharon Morris retires after 43 years at Mansfield Sand

Sharon Morris retires after 43 years at Mansfield Sand

“I had so many different positions to start with because I wanted to learn absolutely everything about the business,” she said. “At some point I was offered the opportunity to get out on the road and the rest is history. I had so many years of doing figures and sitting in front of a computer so going out on the road and being involved in sales was something I was really interested in. It was a bit of a lightbulb moment.”

Sharon’s professionalism and personality quickly shone through in her new role. In fact, she grew her first account into a million-pound-plus customer. She admits that it wasn’t easy and at her first show, BTME Harrogate, she went with colleagues who told her to basically forge her own way and get to know people which she did by visiting every stand at the show and introducing herself. In reflecting on the advice Sharon believes that it was probably the best she ever received.

After that it was a case of visiting all the reps and customers, giving them the confidence that Mansfield Sand was the company they needed to deal with. It was all about getting to know people and going to shows was a golden opportunity.

Throughout her career Sharon specialised in sports turf and most of her customers were based at football and golf clubs. As a huge sports fan there couldn’t have been a better job.

“It gave me a special tingle whenever I went into those wonderful stadiums and golf clubs that I would see on television all the time. I felt so privileged and never once took it for granted. One of my proudest moments was when we started dealing with Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC via a contractor. They were two clubs that had been a goal of mine to work with for many years, so it felt like a huge personal achievement when the clubs and the contractors’ showed faith in myself and Mansfield Sand.”

Sharon admits that the prospect of retirement is daunting, but she is looking forward to the next chapter. As a Nottingham Forest FC season ticket holder since the age of 9, she is planning on watching more games and she revealed that her and her partner will become members of Nottinghamshire Cricket Club. She will also be taking more holidays abroad and she is looking forward to being able to attend concerts and theatre shows during the week without the worry of having to set the morning alarm clock. Her 91-year-old mum will also be getting a lot more of Sharon’s attention.

Although Sharon will have plenty of activities throughout retirement to keep her busy, she will always hold a special place in her heart for her former customers and colleagues.

“It has certainly been a very unique job and I’m proud of the career I’ve had,” she said.  “No one knew me at first, but now wherever I go everyone makes me feel so incredibly welcome.

“Special thanks must go to Mansfield Sand Company and everyone I have worked with over the years, all who have contributed to making my 43 years so enjoyable.”

For more information visit www.mansfield-sand.co.uk

You can also follow the company on Twitter – @MansfieldSand and Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldSandSportSurfaces/

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Bunkers still drain six years on

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Bunkers still drain six years on: Opened in 1924, Dubsdread in Orlando is the oldest public course in Central Florida. Formerly the site of the Orlando Golf Open, it played host to great names such as Hogan and Snead.

The course was rebuilt by architect Mike Dasher in 2007/8, and its bunkers were reconstructed at the same time, with new sub-surface drainage lines, but no liners.

Bunkers still drain six years on

Bunkers still drain six years on

Superintendent Alan Lichter says it became clear to him fairly quickly that those bunkers would not stand up to the amount of play the busy course receives, especially in Florida summers, where signficant rains are an everyday occurrence.

“The bunkers just kept washing out all the time,” he says. “So we started talking about bunker liners in about 2012, and did a demonstration project on our chipping green bunker using a liner from a company that later went bust. So we started looking at the alternatives, and that’s when I came across Capillary.”

Installing liners across the golf course was a significant investment for a municipal course, so Lichter began tracking the amount of time it took to fix the bunkers after rain events. “It wasn’t pretty, and that convinced the powers that be at the city that it was a good investment,” he explains. “The payback to the city was pretty obvious, and the improvements in playability that would follow were also a big issue. So we started the project in 2017, working with Benson Construction, a Georgia-based contractor. It took three months to install the liner in all the bunkers.

Six years on from the installation and Lichter is still extremely happy with the performance of his bunkers. “I love them,” he says. “They are still draining as they were the first day. We had seven tenths of an inch of rain last night, there’s no water in the bunkers.”

Given the extremes of the Florida climate, Lichter’s bunkers have had to face up to some pretty severe weather – and he says they have come through with colours still flying. Even after Hurricane Ian dumped eleven inches of rain on Dubsdread last year, the Capillary Bunkers still performed. “It took one person – me! – about twelve houtrs to fix the bunkers after Ian,” he says. “Before we installed the Capillary liner, it would have needed three guys working solidly for a week.”

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