Source: www.TurfMagazine.com
News from around the Green industry
AGROTAIN Unveils Production and Urea Center
AGROTAIN International, LLC, along with parent company Lange-Stegmann, has announced the grand opening of a $20 million expansion project, including the Stabilized Nitrogen Center, a granulation production facility, and the St. Louis Urea Center, a urea storage warehouse.
Built to fulfill the demand for UMAXX and UFLEXX Stabilized Nitrogen fertilizers, the production capacity of the Stabilized Nitrogen Center is expected to be 125,000 tons annually. The facility uses a falling curtain granulation process for enhanced quality control and production efficiency.
The St. Louis Urea Center, which adds 63,000 tons of fertilizer storage to Lange-Stegmann’s existing space, will increase product handling capacity up to 1 million tons annually of imported urea.
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NDI to Contract-Manufacture Power Shifter Machines
Nascent Design, Inc. announced that it will private-label and contract-manufacture a complete line of machines under the Power Shifter brand. The Power Shifter rapid-change engine mounting system allows one engine to be swapped between multiple machines in 17 seconds, without any tools.
H.J. Baker & Bro. Opens New Facility
H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Tiger-Sul Products, announced the grand opening of a state-of-the-art facility in Stockton, Calif. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by Christopher Smith, president and CEO; Matthew Smith, chairman of the board; and David M. Smith, president of new business development. A tour of the new facility showcased some of the latest technology available in the Tiger-Sul pastillation process.
Companion Receives New EPA Label
Growth Products Ltd.’s Companion liquid biological fungicide received a new EPA label for turfgrass and landscape use. The fungicide contains a strain of Bacillus subtilis that uses multiple modes of action to prevent and control a broad range of root and foliar diseases, including anthracnose, brown patch, dollar spot, summer patch, Fusarium patch, Pythium and Phytophthora.
Turf Pride Delivers Reel Sharpener to Tech Center
Elmore County Technical Center, Wetumpka, Ala., chose a Power Edge II reel sharpener from Turf Pride USA to use as a teaching aid in its turf management program. The center was established in 1975 and currently serves five high schools with a variety of programs.
Horizon to Offer Toro Dingo in Texas
Horizon has partnered with the Toro Co. to offer the Toro Dingo to its customers in Texas. Horizon will offer both wheeled and tracked models.
Shindaiwa Promotes Safety in Montgomery
Shindaiwa conducted a series of hand-held equipment safety and basic maintenance meetings for over 300 employees of the city of Montgomery, Ala. Attendees represented the Department of Parks & Recreation, Water Works and Department of Transportation. The meetings were organized by Tommie Majure, parts manager for Sun South Equipment, a local Shindaiwa dealer, and Mark Frank, territory sales manager for RCH Distributors, Memphis, Tenn. The sessions were presented by Vic Grossi, technical services manager for Shindaiwa.
Turf Ecosystems Announces Patent, New Licensees
Platinum TE, an environmentally sustainable, salt-tolerant turfgrass, has received a U.S. patent. Developed by Turf Ecosystems and Ron R. Duncan, the seashore paspalum is available for both domestic and international use.
Turf Ecosystems expanded the availability of Platinum TE with the licensing of two U.S. growers, Green Acres Turf Farm, Furman, S.C., and Pike Creek Turf Farm, Adel, Ga. Green Acres will initially grow about 40 acres of the turfgrass, while Pike Creek will start with about 25. They join Phillip Jennings Turf, Soperton, Ga., which also has an exclusive international license.
Bustard Promoted to COO at Zelenka
Todd Bustard has been appointed to the position of chief operating officer of Zelenka Nursery, LLC. He earned bachelor’s degrees in industrial management and industrial engineering at Purdue University. Bustard has served as logistics manager for Zelenka since 2001.
Richard Brolick, president of Zelenka, has announced his retirement after 48 years with the company. He will stay on in an advisory role to assist in the transition.
Zelenka has facilities in Grand Haven, Mich., Wilson, N.C., and Smithville, Tenn.
Toro Acquires Southern Green Assets
The Toro Co. has acquired certain assets from Southern Green, Inc., Zachary, La. The acquisition of Southern Green’s line of Soil Reliever aerators will help to grow Toro’s offering of cultivation equipment. Southern Green manufactures deep-tine aeration equipment.
Skinner Nurseries Announces Reorganization
Skinner Nurseries has reorganized its management structure. Russell R. Skinner will serve as president and chief executive officer, with Bryant B. Skinner Jr. serving as executive vice president. Former president, Kevin Van Dyke, has resigned after 14 years of service. The Skinners, who cofounded the company, will return to active management, overseeing daily operations and expansion of the distribution network. Both men have backgrounds in horticulture, marketing, finance and corporate organization.
Scotts Welcomes New Territory Manager
The Scotts Co. North America Professional Business Group welcomed Kevin Taylor as territory manager for the newly created territory covering North and South Carolina. Taylor’s responsibilities will include developing new end user accounts and maintaining existing accounts. Previously, he was a plant supervisor for the Scotts Growing Media processing facility. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Winthrop University and an associate’s degree in electricity and electronics from York Technical College.
SEC&S Becomes McCloskey Distributor
Southeast Crush & Screen has signed on as McCloskey International’s official distributor for eastern Tennessee, Kentucky and northern Georgia. SEC&S has been supplying new and used equipment out of its Columbia, Tenn., location since 2004.
Briggs & Stratton Launches New Web Site
Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power launched a new Web site for OEMs and commercial engine owners. At www.vanguardengines.com, visitors can find engines, product support, illustrated parts lists, engine owner’s manuals and enhanced dealer locator. The new “Power Vault” provides information about Vanguard engine specifications and detailed engineering documents. The “Vanguard Owner’s Group” section allows visitors to submit or respond to questions on industry topics. The “Where We Work” section connects Vanguard engines to the applications and OEMs.
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Scag Announces Distributor of the Year
Scag Power Equipment announced that KPM Exceptional LLC, Kenvil, N.J., is the Scag Distributor of the Year for 2008. The award is presented to the Scag distributor that achieves outstanding sales performance and provides consistently excellent support for Scag products, dealers and end users. It was presented during the KPM 2009 Dealer Update Meeting.
Millenia Enters Dealer Agreement
Millenia Wall Solutions has named RidgeRock Retaining Walls, Inc., Charlotte, N.C., as its exclusive dealer in North and South Carolina and southern Virginia. RidgeRock is now selling Millenia Retaining Walls as a new option for contractors. The company, which developed the RidgeRock Retaining Wall System, was established in 1997.
Exmark Launches Web Site, Announces Biodiesel-Ready Models
Exmark has launched a new Web site at www.nextlazer.com, showcasing its new Next Lazer Z mower. The site includes 360-degree views, video and photos, as well as an overview of new features and interviews with Exmark employees behind the development of the mower. Exmark unveiled the Next Lazer Z at GIE+EXPO.
All diesel-powered Lazer Z XS mid-mount, zero-turn riding mowers in Exmark’s 2009 model year lineup will be biodiesel-ready. They are designed for B20 biodiesel, which contains 80 percent petroleum-based fuel and 20 percent biofuel.
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Thomas Names New Dealer, Regional Business Manager
Thomas Equipment, Inc. named McGowan Tractor & Equipment as a dealer for its skid steers on Prince Edward Island. McGowan Tractor, based in Freetown, is a major supplier to the agricultural, construction, lawn care and other industries.
John Andrews has been appointed to the position of regional business manager for western Europe. Andrews, who has over two decades of heavy equipment industry experience, will be based in the United Kingdom. Previously, he was a consultant for European companies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics.
Husqvarna Divisions Integrate
The Husqvarna, Dixon, BlueBird and Yazoo/Kees brands will now be housed under one newly formed organization called Husqvarna Professional Products, Inc. It will be headed by Dave Zerfoss as president. The company will have separate dealer and distributor sales forces for individual brands, but with an integrated leadership approach. Denis Bedard will be national sales manager for Dixon and Yazoo/Kees, while Jody Kerr will be national rental sales manager for BlueBird and Husqvarna. Both will report to Tony Marchese, vice president of sales.
Dawn Industries Enters Agreement With Goss Torch
Dawn Industries has entered into a joint venture agreement with Goss Torch. The companies will develop, manufacture and distribute a line of torch products for the irrigation distribution channel.
Peterson Reaches Distribution Agreement with Caterpillar Dealer
Peterson Pacific Corp. announced that Alban Tractor Co. is now the Peterson distributor in the mid-Atlantic area. This territory includes Maryland, southern Delaware, northeast Virginia and northeast West Virginia.
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Deist Sponsors 2009 NASCAR Truck Series Team
Deist Industries has announced its associate sponsorship of Herd Racing’s #75 Ford F-150 truck, which plans to compete in the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, currently known as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Deist executives, the president of Herd Racing and the team’s driver made the announcement at a press conference in conjunction with the GIE+EXPO in October.
Headquartered in Hadley, Pa., Deist Industries manufactures the Switch-N-Go detachable truck body system for medium-duty trucks, the AmeriDeck hydraulic loading system for pick-up trucks, and Buck’s Fabricating roll-off containers.
Barry Joins Aquascape
Blake Barry has been appointed to the position of national sales manager for Aquascape, Inc.. He has over 15 years of consumer pet product industry sales experience, having served most recently as national sales manager for Prevue Pet Products. He will be responsible for managing Aquascape’s nationwide sales force and programs, as well as developing business programs to help retailers and distributors with merchandising and promotional programs for their customers.
New Hires at Terex AWP
Terex Aerial Work Platforms announced that Tim Maxson has been named as plant director for Terex Load King. He will be based out of the Load King facility in Elk Point, S.D. Previously, Maxson served as the director of the Electronic Systems Division for Raven Industries. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio State University.
Mike Samora has joined Terex AWP as the global director of marketing solutions. Prior to joining Terex, he founded and served as president of Premier Postage, LLC. Samora holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy and administration from Western Washington University and a master’s in business administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School.
Debbie George has been appointed to the newly created position of global brand marketing leader. Previously, George served as the global director of marketing for the Terex AWP division in Redmond, Wash. She holds a bachelor’s degree from City University of Seattle.
Univar Launches New Web Site
Univar USA has launched its new Web site at www.UnivarPPS.com. It presents the full service offerings of the Univar Professional Products & Services division, including structural pest control, public health, turf and ornamental, hay production, animal production and dairy, and postharvest commodity storage.
Nibco Unveils Green Microsite
Nibco, Inc. has added a “green” microsite to its Web site at www.nibco.com that will make it easier for end users to specify and install Nibco products in green construction projects. Visitors will have access to a central repository of resources and tools to keep them informed of green building practices and changing standards and codes.
CGC Reaches Milestone
Commercial Grounds Care, Inc. reached 3 million man-hours without a lost-time injury. CGC supports a safety-first workplace environment with a Safety Management System, implementation of sound industry practices, Near Miss program, Safety Audit Program, dedicated equipment and more.
Strata Launches New Web Site
Strata Systems, Inc. rolled out a new interactive Web site at www.geogrid.com. The site features updated graphics and streamlined content. Registered users have access to product information on Strata geogrids and geotextiles, as well as technical resources, specifications, literature, industry links and the latest company news. It also affords expanded coverage of recent case studies.
Christiansen Becomes President & CEO of Danfoss
Danfoss announced that President and CEO Jorgen M. Clausen has retired and his successor is Niels B. Christiansen. Clausen will be chairman of the company after the annual meeting in spring 2009. Christiansen joined the company in 2004 as its chief operating officer. He will head the company’s executive committee, which consists of Executive Vice Presidents Kim Fausing and Frederik Lotz.
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Bayer Names New Fungicide Business Manager
Jimmy Johnson was named fungicide business manager for the Green Business group of Bayer Environmental Science. He will also serve as the Bayer golf industry lead. Johnson has more than 25 years’ experience in the turf and ornamental and crop protection industries. For the past six years, he was a golf sales representative for Bayer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s in agricultural economics from the University of Arkansas.
Ducote and Watts Join BASF Turf & Ornamentals
BASF Turf & Ornamentals has appointed Wayne Ducote to the position of sales specialist for Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, the Florida panhandle region and Tennessee. Previously, Ducote held a sales specialist position with BASF Professional Vegetation Management (ProVM), where he served for 10 years.
Dan Watts, strategic accounts manager for ProVM, will add similar responsibilities for BASF Turf & Ornamentals. He will develop and manage relationships with channel partners for both units nationwide. Watts has nearly 20 years of experience and has been with BASF since 2001.
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