Vitax

Supaturf Visit to North America

Ana Rawling — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:34:52 +0000

At a cost of $290 million and boasting the only fan-shaped convertible roof in North America, Miller Park was opened in 2001. The stadium is the home of a Major League Baseball team, the Milwaukee Brewers and is situated just outside the famous brewing city of Milwaukee. This 42,000 seater stadium boasts glass in its retractable roof to allow the grass to grow even when the roof is closed!

The grounds staff at Miller Park have been using a TXE252 to mark the baseball diamond since 2005, having previously used brushes. The TXE252 is used both prior to and during baseball games on both grass and soil surfaces. The change in surfaces has no effect on the clarity or sharpness of the line and the speed of application during the game is essential. Regular thorough cleaning and servicing of the machine has given trouble free service for eight years.

After giving the grounds staff a demonstration of the Briteliner Arrow, they were keen to see how they can fit the wheel to wheel marker into their marking schedule after seeing the sharpness of its paint application. We were truly flattered by the hospitality of the grounds staff and were proud to be associated with this magnificent venue.

Another flight and car journey found ourselves driving up the entrance to another truly great sporting venue. Winged Foot Golf Club has hosted the 1929, the 1959, the 1974, the 1984 US Opens and the 1997 PGA Championship. Not content with this illustrious history, they have been confirmed as the hosts of the 2020 US Open. Just to be part of a history which includes Bobby Jones, Billy Casper, Hale Irwin, Fuzzy Zoeller and Davis Love III made the hairs on the back of our necks stand on end.

The West and the East courses looked outstanding, the greens were true and in beautiful condition, the fairways were neatly mowed and striped and the bunkers glistened in the warm New York sunshine. Once again, the hospitality shown to us by General Manager Colin Burns was exceptional and we were allowed to jump onto a golf cart and tour this splendid golf course on our own.

Plans are already being made for the 2020 US Open with the drawings of all the changes to the course on display in the clubhouse, every hole is subject to amendments, some more radical than others, and the size of the investment is clear.

Winged Foot are opening two new practice greens in early May which will be in addition to an already impressive practice area. Like the rest of the course, they are USGA and are made up of Poa Annua which was indeed a surprise for us but the quality was there for all to see. The Superintendent, Stuart, says ‘It makes for the best putting surface.’ And you cannot argue with that given what we have seen and the tournaments they host. Winged Foot also use Aqua-Aid products as part of their yearly programme so it is pleasing that a golf club of such standing is using a brand which we promote.

Early May and the greens are at 6mm and lightning fast, witnessing some approach shots bore witness to that. We look forward to not only touring the course next time but having a game…We had better take plenty of balls.

Daniel Wilkinson & Greg Holden

Slug Gone selling well

Ana Rawling — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:04:06 +0000

Here’s a fine display of Slug Gone at Plowmans Garden Centre in Ferndown, Dorset.

We’ve increased production of Slug Gone to keep up with demand, now we’re seeing more and more slugs in the garden.

Newspapers have been warning of an invasion this Spring as the excessive numbers of slugs breeding in the wet conditions last year have meant many more over-wintering and hatching this year.

TXE’s in Japanese Olympic bid

Ana Rawling — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:05:50 +0000

It is not often you get the chance to have a tour of an Olympic Stadium but that is exactly what happened when Greg Holden and Daniel Wilkinson visited Takamark, their Supaturf partner in Japan. The stadium ground staff explained the maintenance schedule for the stadium and the developments that are taking place for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic bid. Plans have already been approved for the old stadium, that was purpose built for the 1964 Summer Olympics, to be replaced with an ultra-modern stadium designed by Zaha Hadid (designer of the Aquatics centre for London 2012).

The tour included a visit to the stadium where the recent Rugby Sevens World Series took place, the Prince Chichibu Memorial Ground. The TXE 505 is used in both this and the Olympic Stadium and it was certainly a proud moment knowing that Supaturf is associated with such a prestigious venue. If Tokyo were to win the bid for the 2020 Olympics, Takamark is certain that the TXE 505 would be the line-marker of choice.

After Tokyo it was destination Shizuoka (calm hills) to see the home of Shizuoka City, the Nihoudaira Stadium. At the top of the stands you see the immaculate pitch, which has won the Japanese Best Pitch award for the past five seasons, and Mount Fuji which dominates the landscape. This stadium must be one of the most beautiful places to watch a football match. Once again, a TXE machine is used, this time it’s a well loved and well used TXE 2000. Seeing such wonderful results in such a picturesque and stunning setting is no everyday occurrence and will be remembered for a long time.

Copper SlugTape

Ana Rawling — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:48:17 +0000

Vitax Copper Slug Tape has been improved with the addition of a serrated edge on one side. Attached to pots with the serrated edge facing downwards, this now gives increased protection against slugs and snails making their way up the pot. In bright new packaging, Copper Slug Tape will protect approximately 12 x 5″ pots, and is available from many garden centres.

Vitax on the move

Ana Rawling — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:14:50 +0000

Vitax Limited is taking to the road in a fully liveried vehicle with the support of Graylaw Freight Group.

We took our first look at the branded 13.6 metre, double-decker trailer at our Skelmersdale office as it prepared to make its first deliveries across the UK.

Graylaw Freight Group has been working with Vitax for seven years and the new lorry represents the growing partnership.

Graylaw was established in 1985 and specialises in direct daily services to Isle of Man, Ireland, UK and Channel Isles. This particular lorry will transport goods from Vitax’s factory in Skelmersdale to its nationwide suppliers.

Carl Welsh, Vitax’s General Manager at Skelmersdale, says “This is a new concept for us and it’s great to see the Vitax brand on the road.

“It will give Vitax a greater visual presence increase awareness of the brand.”

Supaturf – raising the bar

trinity — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:05:07 +0000

The Supaturf division at Vitax has seen major changes to its manufacturing operations in the last six months, and is now well placed to raise the bar higher in terms of manufacturing standards and customer service.

As a result of a recent significant refurbishment at its Coalville site, Supaturf has relocated both its line marking machinery production and its line marking manufacture to the 30,000 square foot property in Leicestershire.

The move has also seen investment in a new state-of-the-art metal bending machine, and the new factory layout offers greater space, greater storage capacity and efficiency for handling raw materials, spare parts and finished products.

Supaturf’s new Production and Technical Manager, Andy Gurney, is delighted with the progress achieved so far “moving the two separate operations back together was a major challenge. I am now looking forward to finding ways of improving our current range both in terms of production and technical aspects”.

Garden Press Day

Ana Rawling — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:11:39 +0000

Vitax had a very successful day at the Garden Press Event on 14th February, at the new venue – The Barbican. We met many members of the gardening press, and our PR team made some useful contacts. We mostly talked about our excellent new product Slug Gone, a triple action product which will repel slugs and snails, release naturally occurring nutrients, and act as a weed suppressant. By bringing Slug Gone to the attention of the press we hope it will increase sales and lead to more garden centres stocking it, although in fact we’ve already had a high level of orders from retailers. We’re receiving a good number of enquiries from many gardeners who want to know where to buy Slug Gone, and we’re pleased to find that people are already aware of its usefulness in the garden.

Slug Gone wins Gold!

trinity — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:58:33 +0000

One of Vitax’s premier products, Slug Gone, has scooped a gold medal award at the Totally DIY Show in Best New Garden Product for 2013 category.
The organic and highly effective barrier against slugs and snails is already a firm favourite with environmentally-conscious gardeners and has Soil Association accreditation.
Slug Gone is now fully integrated into the Vitax pest control range and the pure wool pellets help to improve the quality of soil, restrict weed growth and improve water retention.

Slug Gone wool pellets

trinity — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:57:00 +0000

Brian Gillard of GrowAid announced that since joining forces with Vitax in 2012, he is delighted to hear that sales of Slug Gone have increased dramatically. This outstanding product, although no longer available from the GrowAid shop, is now sold in many garden centres. Available in revamped packaging in 1 litre and 3.5 litre sizes, it is now also being sold in 10 litre tubs suitable for larger gardens.

Slug Gone will be featured at the Garden & Home Press Event at the Barbican in London, and will be sold by Vitax on the Garden Store stand at the Edible Garden Show in March, where special show offers will be available.

Coronation Festival, Buckingham Palace

trinity — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:55:36 +0000

Buckingham Palace Garden to host
Coronation Festival for Royal Warrant Holders

The Gardens at BUCKINGHAM PALACE will be the venue for a one-off event next summer for holders of Royal Warrants to celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation. Vitax will be taking part in the four day celebration between the 11th and 14th July 2013.

The Coronation Festival will celebrate innovation, excellence and industry showcasing the broad range of fine brands, including Vitax, which have earned the recognition of a Royal Warrant over the years.

Royal Warrants are a mark of recognition to individuals or companies who have supplied goods or services for at least five years to the Households of The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh or The Prince of Wales Warrants have always been regarded as hallmarks of quality, excellence and service.

Vitax was awarded its first Royal Warrant in 1965 and its prestigious Royal appointment now sees Vitax join over 200 Royal Warrant Holders at this unique event.

The Coronation Festival will be split into four specific showcase areas: Design and Technology; Food and Drink; Style Pursuits and Pastimes; Homes and Gardens. There will also be a section for The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), the charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, which helps financially disadvantaged, experienced crafts people to further their skills through the funding of further education and training.

The Festival will be open to members of the public from Friday, 12th to Sunday, 14th July. There will be a Royal Preview on Thursday, 11th July for invited guests, including Members of the Royal Family, charities, patronages, media, armed forces, inward investors and overseas trade missions, and guests of the Royal Warrant Holders Association and the Royal Household.

In the evening, the Gardens, with Buckingham Palace as the back-drop, will host a magnificent performance of music and dance. The Coronation Gala will celebrate cultural life during the reign of Her Majesty, showcasing the achievements and personality of this extraordinary age. The performances will chime with the themes of the Festival – tradition, excellence and innovation – featuring a range of superb home-grown UK talent with a focus on youth, as well as talent from across the Commonwealth – a unique, energetic and entertaining show for this very special celebration.

The Coronation Festival’s main event partners will be: GlaxoSmithKline, Bentley and Jaguar Land Rover,
who will each partner one of the three Gala evenings.
• Jaguar Land Rover Thursday 11th July Royal Preview

• GlaxoSmithKline Friday 12th July

• Bentley Saturday 13th July

Paul Gooding, chairman at Vitax, says: “Vitax as a proud Royal Warrant holder, is delighted to be part of The Coronation Festival this summer.

“We have been developing gardening and horticultural products for over 100 years, providing a broad range of fertilisers, plant protection and pest control products to both amateur and professional gardeners. The Coronation Festival will be a great opportunity to showcase many of our leading brands.”

Speaking at the launch Richard Peck, Secretary of the Royal Warrant Holders Association commented: “The event will give the British public the opportunity to see the extraordinary quality and variety of skills, craftsmanship and innovation produced by companies here in Britain, presented to the world in a unique showcase.”

60,000 visitors will be able to come to Buckingham Palace for the Coronation Festival.

For further information please contact Alex Davison or Marie Wardell-Hunter on 0207 096 5818 or email coronationfestival@fasttrackagency.com

Tickets are now available for purchase. Day-time tickets will be £30 per person, and evening tickets, including the Coronation Gala, will be £90 per person. Tickets are available to purchase through the dedicated event website: www.coronationfestival.com.

The Coronation Festival will open its doors to members of the public from Friday, 12th July – Sunday 14th July 2013 at 9.30am – 4.00pm, and then again for the evening and Gala on the Friday and Saturday from 5.30pm – 9.30pm. For further information on the Festival and to book tickets, go to: www.coronationfestival.com.