Last week I mused on here that this year's SALTEX had some questions to answer.

I wondered would it appeal to punters to attend an indoor show this autumn? And would the exhibitors be pushing new products to dealers and the commercial end-users considering the ongoing supply chain crisis?

Following attending the show for the past two days I can safely say that it's a resounding yes to both!

I must say I was thoroughly impressed by SALTEX 2021. First off, a huge congratulations must go the GMA and their organising teams for putting on an event that clearly ticked all the right boxes for both visitors and exhibitors.

It truly felt like the show that the end-users wanted and the industry needed.

Commenting on the show Service Dealer owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke said, “Planning events during this time have been problematic to say the least. I can only imagine the issues - both contractual and political, as well as the dilemmas faced - of running a large event at the NEC this week.  

"Geoff Webb and his team at the GMA have done an amazing job in the circumstances and SALTEX was very much a success. I am sure it will also jump start other considered gatherings in the groundcare industry. Thanks, and well done, Geoff – I bet it has put years on you!”

An upbeat mood

First and foremost, visitors turned up - and plenty of them. I don't know the actual figures - perhaps they might even have been a little down on 2019's edition - but in the context of this event, it didn't matter. What mattered was the feel of the show. And the feel was that it was busy, buzzy and upbeat. There was a palpable sense around the halls that everyone just wanted to get on with business.

Lewis and Stewart Anderson, who were constantly busy with end-users and dealers on the Weibang stand, talking to Service Dealer editor, Steve Gibbs

Every stand holder I spoke to, pretty much held the same view. None of them knew beforehand what the show was going be like. It's probably fair to say, that going into Wednesday, expectations were not the highest. There was a real cloud of the unknown hanging over the NEC before the doors opened.

Milwaukee UK launched at the show. On the stand are the company's Paul Strong and Michael Hind, with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke and dealer James Hayes

However as day one progressed, it became apparent that any misgivings were unwarranted. The halls filled up quickly. I'd say by 10am the aisles and stands felt properly busy. Most exhibitors I spoke to told me that they didn't have a chance to catch their breath from around 10 till pretty much 2.30-ish that afternoon. A similar pattern was repeated on day two, although with perhaps ever so slightly lower numbers.

Crucially though, what all the exhibitors who I spoke to told me, was that the quality of visitor they had coming on to talk to them was outstanding. Both in terms of the professional end-users they met, and the good number of dealers who also attended the show. 

Chris Gibson and the PSD team

It was actual decision-makers for professional establishments who were coming on, making genuine enquiries about the purchase of new machinery. Everyone was talking about the number of fantastic new leads they had picked up. Whilst in terms of dealer interactions, I bumped into several of our readers who were on the look-out for new franchises to stock in their stores and who were impressed with the new machinery options on display.

Guy Overton was delighted with the quality of visitor coming onto their stands

The word I would use to describe the mood in Birmingham this week would be enthusiastic. People appeared delighted to be out once again, meeting friends, colleagues and customers in a safe, real-life environment. But beyond this, there was a real enthusiasm for business. Deals were being struck and there was clearly money to be made - by both suppliers and dealers.

Ashleigh Bradshaw from Toro UK, who had plenty of new product on display

I think it's fair to say, that despite the obvious hardships and struggles of the past 18 months, most in our sector have performed - and continue to perform - really rather well. A number of people I spoke to said they had been concerned that 2021 might have seen a drop-off in demand for outdoor powered machinery following the spike seen during lockdown with people 'cocoon-ing' at home. But that hasn't happened. The demand is still there. Of course now the issue is getting hold of this fancy new machinery.

New products were gaining interest from visitors across the halls, including the Ceora on Husqvarna's stand

In terms of the new kit on display, it was heartening to see that there were lots of new launches across the halls. I won't go into detail today, we'll feature a more extensive report in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine, but suffice it to say, battery was the clear order of the day. The technology was everywhere - even bolted on as a replacement power-source to established brands where you would have expected to see a petrol engine in the past. It's a mark of just far the technology has come in these past 4 or 5 years - and the acceptance they have received from both users and dealers - that an application such as this is now happening. The potential this has for future product design is seemingly huge.

Peter Melrose, managing director EMEA at EGO with Service Dealer's Steve Gibbs

The only negative comment I heard across the two days, and I heard it from both dealers and manufacturers, wasn't anything to do with the show. It was more pointed towards the companies who were notable by their absence. There was a sense of perhaps they were not showing active support for the industry, by choosing not to attend. The feeling seemed to be, we're all here for each other following a period of crisis and uncertainty, so why aren't they?

I think in the final analysis, those missing from the NEC this week might end up kicking themselves. Those who were there, exhibitor and visitor alike, benefited from what turned out to be an excellent event.

Everyone who contributed by putting on the exhibition, by showing off their wares and by attending with the positive mindset to get business done, should all give themselves a huge pat on the back.

Many people commented the same to me this week, that they thought this was the best SALTEX they had ever attended. That's a bold statement, but it's hard to find reasons to disagree. But what did you think of the show? Let us know in the comments below.

The Service Dealer & TurfPro team. L-R: Iain Robinson, designer; Kate Godber, account manager; Duncan Murray-Clarke, owner; Laurence Gale, TurfPro editor; Steve Gibbs, Service Dealer editor

Husqvarna Group has signed an agreement to acquire Orbit Irrigation, a provider of residential watering solutions in North America.

Orbit will become part of Husqvarna Group's Gardena Division, with the manufacturer saying the acquisition will establish a global leader and creating growth opportunities for both brands.

Orbit’s net sales during the last 12 months amounted to approximately USD 320m with an operating margin slightly below Husqvarna Group average. Husqvarna said in a statement the purchase price corresponds to an enterprise value of USD 480m on a cash and debt-free basis and will be financed through existing cash and undrawn credit facilities.

Henric Andersson, president and CEO of Husqvarna Group said, “We now form a clear global market leader within residential watering when combining Orbit’s North American business with Gardena Division’s strength in Europe. We will continue to build on Gardena’s and Orbit’s successful developments. This provides an excellent position and the scale to continue to lead and transform the market towards smart, sustainable gardening solutions."

Orbit, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, has approximately 300 employees and generates over 95% of its revenues in North America, where Gardena’s presence is limited. The Orbit product offering includes watering equipment sold through retail, garden centers, e-commerce and professional channels. 

Pär Åström, president of the Gardena Division added, “The acquisition of Orbit provides Gardena access to strong go-to-market capabilities and operations infrastructure in North America. This will enable us to grow Gardena over time as a premium garden technology brand across North America, through our offering of robotic mowers, smart watering solutions and gardening tools."

The transaction is expected to close before year-end 2021 but remains subject to customary regulatory approval.

Following its acquisition by John Deere in 2017, and the integration of its technology, processes, components and parts within the worldwide John Deere sprayer business, Mazzotti has now become an officially endorsed brand.

The company says this move signifies that customers will receive the same levels of product quality, parts availability and service support throughout the life cycle of the sprayers as they would expect to receive from any other John Deere dealer supplied machine.

While the company’s sprayer models will continue to be separately branded, the logo will now include ‘by John Deere’ underneath the Mazzotti name.

The new Mazzotti by John Deere logo was publicly seen for the first time at the 2021 EIMA show in Bologna, Italy recently.

The manufacturer says the new brand endorsement is supported by the continual development of the Mazzotti product range, which already features John Deere engines, cabs, the M-Spray dual-circuit solution system and precision ag systems. Parts will now be available through the European Parts Distribution Centre (EPDC) in Germany and all machines supported by the John Deere Dealer Technical Assistance Centre (DTAC) system.

Mazzotti’s MAF self-propelled sprayers sold through selected dealers in the UK & Ireland complement the John Deere model range, which now offers the widest choice of machines in the EU and CIS markets.

Kubota Corporation, Topcon Corporation and Topcon Positioning systems Inc, have announced that they have entered into a "collaborative research agreement in the field of smart agriculture".

In a statement the companies pledge they will ".. work together to innovate for future commercialisation through mutual research in the field of smart agriculture, bringing together the technologies and know-how developed by each company."

Explaining the background and objectives for the agreement, the statement continued, "While global food demand continues to increase and labour shortages at production sites also remains a concern, there are increasing expectations for smart agriculture to improve work efficiency and productivity.

Kubota has continued for many years to supply products and services for the agricultural industry world-wide, while Topcon has been promoting the automation of farm operations through auto-steering, crop analysis technologies and digital transformation solutions.

"Both companies, each having its own technical knowledge, work collaboratively to move forward with research and development in smart agriculture. This includes the collection of agronomic data using various sensor technology; research on crop cultivation solutions utilising big data; fleet management and automation technology."

Overton (UK) Ltd have announced Sharrocks as their latest dealer for the Mean Green Mowers.

L-R: Richard Overton, md Overton UK (Ltd); Steve Hanlon sales director, Sharrocks

Steve Hanlon, sales director at Sharrocks said, "We have been looking at Mean Green electric mowers for the last couple of years and now was the time as customers are asking to go electric.

"We have had a few demos by Overton of the mowers and were very impressed with the build quality and cut - as were our customers.

"As we have known Richard and Guy Overton for 35 years it gave us comfort and are looking forward to working with Overton,"

Timberwolf has appointed Charlies Groundcare as its newest dealer.

Established in 2008, Charlies Groundcare specialise in golf, turf, commercial mowing equipment, agricultural machinery and, supported by the Timberwolf team, are now extending their experience into the arb sector. 

Charlies Groundcare offer equipment sales and technical support throughout North Wales, mid-Wales, West Midlands, and Shropshire via its main dealership in Welshpool, Powys.  The dealership have a number of trained technicians, as well as a fleet of support vans ensuring Timberwolf owners will receive an efficient and premium service when they need it.

Guy Marshlain, sales and marketing director, said, “We recognise that a customer’s experience with a dealer is an integral part of buying into the Timberwolf brand. Charlies Groundcare, with their technical experience and strong customer service, are truly committed to joining and supporting the Timberwolf community and we’re delighted to welcome them into our dealer network.”

Ross Holloway, Charlies Groundcare manager, said, “We pride ourselves on exemplary aftersales service and look forward to extending this to the arb community."

Loncin Industries has recognised Barrus’s success in the UK with the Loncin brand of small petrol engines, generators and pumps with the inclusion into their top 50 customers worldwide.

During a decade as the exclusive distributor in the UK, Barrus has introduced the Loncin brand into numerous industry sectors and established itself in the industrial, construction, groundscare and consumer markets. 

John Day, general manager for the Industrial Division comments, “This is a milestone moment for the Loncin brand in the UK and we are delighted to receive this accolade. Our strategy has been to extend our product portfolio into the industrial, horticultural, agricultural and consumer markets, develop and build on our existing sales and service dealer network and grow the number of new and existing OEM manufacturers who specify Loncin for their equipment.”

Turfmech Machinery Ltd was the first UK OEM to specify Loncin engines to power their Allett Kensington range of lawnmowers. Other key OEMs include Altrad Belle, Fairport Engineering, Maxflow, Dual Pumps, Dirt Driver, Demon Pressure Washers, Greenmech, and the Addex Group.

“I am extremely proud of the Barrus Industrial team. Loncin’s top 50 customers are regarded as their most important and valuable customers, not only in terms of sales volume but also brand loyalty,” commented Sunny Jiang of Roya Industries, liaison officer in China for Barrus. 

John Day concluded, “The Industrial team at Barrus responsible for the Loncin brand has done a fantastic job in getting the Loncin business to where it is today, particularly with the challenges presented over the last year, and we are looking forward to our continued success.”

In recognition of Her Majesty the Queen’s forthcoming Platinum Jubilee, Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, Chairwoman of Supervisory Board and Chairwoman of Shareholders’ Committee Claas KGaA mbH, has planted a Crimson King Maple tree as part of the Queen's Green Canopy initiative at the Claas UK headquarters at Saxham, Suffolk. 

Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser planting the the Crimson King Maple at the new CLAAS UK headquarters
 
The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”.
 
The completion of the new Claas UK headquarters at Saxham has now given the business the opportunity to turn their attention to the final landscaping of the site. 
 
The manufacturer says the initiative fits with their commitment to provide a healthy, thriving working environment for its staff whilst incorporating alternative sustainable energy solutions to minimise environmental impact, while also enhancing environmental awareness. 

Joining Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser were David Crick, Claas's longest serving staff member; Trevor Tyrrell (senior vice-president (Western Europe & Oceania)) and Claas UK CEO; John Robinson, a long term Manns employee; Emily Baylis, graduate employee and a first year apprentice from dealers Manns.
 
The tree is the first of a number of new trees that will be planted on the Saxham site. On Friday October 15th Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser was joined at Saxham by a number of staff for the tree planting ceremony, including David Crick, who with 47 year’s experience, is the longest serving staff member at Claas UK, a first year Apprentice from the Claas dealer Manns, Emily Baylis who is a young graduate employee and John Robinson, a long term Manns employee who after 47 years is now a Claas UK pensioner.  A specially commissioned commemorative plaque supplied by the GQC was erected by the tree in celebration of the initiative.

 
The tree will be pinned on the official QGC map which will give an overall picture of all trees planted under the scheme nationwide.

At this time of year landscape tidying and garden clearance is a big job. Now available for the first time in the UK via Henton & Chattell, Hansa Chippers are the ideal tools for this job. 

Established in the 1980s, Hansa specialises in the design and manufacture of high-quality brush chipping and shredding equipment. The family run company, based in New Zealand, has a strong heritage combined with constant evolution and innovation, with a focus on sustainable growth.  

As trees and hedges are pruned back, they can create messy piles of debris that are often used to create smoky, polluting bonfires. Family run company, Hansa, is dedicated to changing this practice, by offering an alternative solution. Instead of building climate-damaging fires, Hansa sees chipping as a cleaner, greener way of getting rid of waste. By using a chipper, green waste can be transformed into valuable mulch that can be used in beds and around tree bases. This recycled material helps to retain moisture and supress weeds while it breaks down and provides nutrients to plants as it decomposes. 

Hansa prides itself on the ethos of “providing the best chipping experience”. Whether being used in a garden at home, by a landscaper, professional arborist or other commercial user, Hansa chippers are all designed to make tough work enjoyable. It’s about getting the job done in the most efficient way. 

The domestic gardener can choose between electric and petrol options with the C3E and the C4, both weighing up 70kg making them perfect for home usage and storage. The C7 is the most popular model and, with a 6.5hp petrol engine, is ideal for those with larger gardens. For landscapers the C13, with a 13hp engine, easy engagement system and efficient self-feeding action, makes light work of large jobs. 

For large-scale, commercial applications there is the C21 and the C27. Both are extremely robust and have heavy-duty cutting disks that meet the rigorous requirements of heavy branches and bushy foliage. The C27 has a 360-degree turntable that allows feeding from any direction.

For more information on Hansa chippers visit: www.hansaproducts.com/gb/

 Or to become a Hansa dealer,  please contact Andy Marvin on: 07771 581 296 or call our sales team: 0115 986 6646 today.

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