Ransomes Jacobsen extend agreement with Polaris World
Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd, the Ipswich-based turf maintenance equipment manufacturer, has agreed an additional five year extension to an exclusive supplier agreement with Polaris World, the developers of prestigious residential properties and golf courses in the Murcia region of Spain.
The agreement, at Europe's largest golf development, involves the supply of a wide range of golf course maintenance equipment, golf cars and turf utility vehicles to the 10 Jack Nicklaus-designed courses in the region, which will be known as the 'Nicklaus Golf Trail'.
The fundamental principles driving the Polaris World philosophy is that of quality and attention to detail. They have divisions dedicated to providing a secure, yet care-free lifestyle including leisure, healthcare, facilities management, construction, landscaping and gardening, property rental and hotels.
Polaris World has been working in partnership with Ransomes Jacobsen since the initial golf course construction began back in mid-2004. Since that time the greenkeeping teams have utilised a varied fleet of machinery including battery powered electric greens mowers in the areas surrounding houses and hotels. With the advent of the next tranche of course construction, new machinery fleets will be purchased as each course comes on-line.
Francisco Honrubia Grijalbo, a Director at Polaris World, said
"We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Ransomes Jacobsen during the initial 3 year agreement signed in 2004 and the support we have received has been exceptional. With the expiry of the original contract we invited them and two other major companies to put forward proposals to be our machinery partner. We were delighted when it was clear that, in terms of total commitment to quality and a shared vision, Ransomes Jacobsen was the best possible partner"
The equipment covered by the new partnership agreement, worth in excess of €4M over the five year contract term, will be supplied through Ransomes Jacobsen's Spanish turf machinery distributor, Green Mowers, which has recently invested in premises close to the Polaris projects in Murcia in order to provide the best possible after sales care.
Each of the planned ten courses will have its own machinery and maintenance team, with a central pool of specialised equipment being moved around the various sites as, and when, required.
Polaris World is host to the FEGGA/Polaris World Scholarship Programme, supported by Ransomes Jacobsen and Elmwood College. Sylvain Duval, the Golf Course Superintendent at Polaris World, has been heavily involved in the development of the programme from its initiation. This educational programme provides training to young greenkeepers from across Europe and covers the entire golf construction spectrum - from initial planning, earthmoving and shaping, through grow-in to maturity.
David Withers, Managing Director of Ransomes Jacobsen said, "We are delighted to have extended our association with Polaris World, who are undoubtedly a quality driven organisation. Their choice of the Nicklaus Design Group, together with Jacobsen and E-Z-GO equipment for their golf courses, not to mention having Jack Nicklaus as a spokesperson for the organisation, demonstrates their determination to offer a superb package to their European customers.
"Polaris World has a strong commitment to the Murcia region, offering employment opportunities, high quality residential developments and sporting venues, all encompassed within a clear policy of environmental awareness and protection. We are delighted and proud to be business partners with such a prestigious organisation."
Ransomes Jacobsen is a subsidiary of Textron Inc., an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.