Industry Update

Source: www.TurfMagazine.com

BLEC Changes Name to STEC

BLEC USA, Inc. has undergone several changes, including a new name, STEC, Inc., or Specialized Turf Equipment Co. The name was chosen to more accurately reflect what the company does. The everyday workings of the company will remain the same, and it has added new employees and implemented new policies. It also plans for a larger facility, an increase in personnel and new products.

Terra Nova Donates Perennials

Terra Nova Nurseries, Canby, Ore., donated 2,500 perennials to the International Rose Test Garden, a public garden in Portland, Ore., that features thousands of roses from around the world. The 9,000-square-foot perennial bed is located near the entrance of the garden.

News from GIE+EXPO

Erin McKay, guest of JPH Lawn & Landscape, Bourbonnais, Ill., won $5,000 by attending GIE+EXPO and visiting the exhibits of the participating truck manufacturers. The Trucks of the Industry Giveaway was sponsored by Power Equipment Trade and Turf magazines and featured Ford, Isuzu, GM, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Toyota.

This year’s show featured nearly 16,600 participants, with dealer/retailer registrations up 2 percent from 2008 and merchandiser/buyer registrations up 18 percent. Lawn and garden centers were up 25 percent and distributor numbers were up 9 percent from last year.

New features such as the New Products Arena and the High-Performance Service Pavilion, as well as educational sessions for all segments of the industry, were well-received and added value to the show for attendees and exhibitors alike.

A-Turf Opens Third U.S. Location

A-Turf has expanded, opening its third location in the U.S. The new Arizona office extends the artificial turf manufacturer’s reach on the West Coast. The office covers New Mexico, Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington.

Solideal Purchases SPW Industries

Solideal announced its acquisition of SPW Industries, Inc. SPW, based in Atlanta, Ga., is a service provider and distributor of construction and industrial tires, wheels and rubber tracks.

Acme to Distribute Vast Products

Acme Brick will distribute Vast Enterprises, LLC’s composite masonry products. Under the agreement, Acme now distributes Vast products in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and New Mexico.