Newport-based Kubota machinery dealer, Ted Hopkins Machinery, has agreed a new supply deal with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), continuing a two-decade long partnership with the governing body.
The latest deal sees the family run business supply Kubota equipment for use by groundstaff at Principality Stadium (formally Millennium Stadium) and The Vale Resort training facility, including items from its compact tractor range and two machines from its utility vehicle range.
Lee Evans (centre left) with Chris Hopkins (centre right) and groundcare team at the Principality Stadium
Kubota's STW40 compact tractor and an RTV-X900 utility vehicle arrived on site in early January. The two will be based at Principality Stadium, and used day-to-day by the facility's team of three, headed up by Head Groundsman Lee Evans.
Additional items of Kubota equipment have also been supplied, for use by the WRU, the Football Association of Wales and Cardiff City FC at the dual-use training facility, The Vale Resort, based in Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan. An RTV500 and an L5040 mid range tractor completes the line up of new machines, adding to an existing G26 ride on mower, which is already based at the facility.
"I've been using Kubota tractors for as long as I've been a groundsman, for the last 30 years," said Lee Evans. "On the stadium pitch we primarily use our STW40 for vertidraining, pulling the lighting rigs and for general site maintenance. It's also key to have machines that are light and that leave minimal footprint on the turf.
"Our excellent relationship with Chris Hopkins and his team is also beneficial. He supplies and maintains all of our kit, so if we ever have an issue Chris' boys are very often here the same day. It's a fantastic relationship. ."
Chris Hopkins, Managing Director of Ted Hopkins Machinery added: "We're absolutely delighted to continue as proud partners and machinery suppliers for the WRU, to help with maintenance at Principality Stadium and at the training facility at the Vale.
"We've worked with the WRU for over 20 years and have built up an excellent working relationship. The fact that they've been Kubota users throughout that time is proof of the popularity of the equipment, its reliability and how it has played its part in helping to continue the extremely high standards now set at both facilities."
