GrassWorks^® 1.5 Released

June 2005

1.5 is now available. This version upgrades the powerful features of including:

• Further improvements to the cost analysis during Sprayer Calibrations and Fertilizer calibrations
• Tine and scarification tools visualize and calculate aeration jobs.

Greenkeeping at the Centre of Communication

January 2005

Read how greenkeepers form the centre of communication within sports clubs and how can help organise this communication. Click here to read the report.

Online Tools available

December 2004

GreenFactory are pleased to announce our Online Tine Tool and Online Scarification Tool. These tools performs all the calculations needed for a aeration jobs.

Click here to try out the tool.

GrassWorks^® 1.4 Released

December 2004

1.4 is now available. This version upgrades the powerful features of including:

• Sprayer Calibrations can now take into account the Specific Gravity of a chemical. This can prevent the application of too much chemical and therefore reduce the risk to turf and also save money!
• Improved cost analysis of Fertilizer Calibration. Quickly work out the cost of a fertlizer application including the cost per nutrient!

GrassWorks^® at BTME & Clubhouse 2004

January 2004

GreenFactory Productions representatives will be available on the Amenity Technology stand at the Bigga Turf Management Exhibition. There you will be able to find out why leading consultants are using GrassWorks^® to improve the quality of their turf. BTME & Clubhouse 2004 runs 20-22 January 2004 at the Harrogate International Centre, UK. Contact GreenFactory or Amenity Technology for further details on GrassWorks^®.

GrassWorks^® at Saltex

20 August 2003

GreenFactory Productions will have at IOG Saltex this year. Sharing stand P8 with Hydromulch Ltd, representatives will be available to show and discuss the benefits of the GrassWorks^® software application.

IOG Saltex 2003 runs from 2-4 September at Windsor Racecourse UK. For more information visit the IOG Saltex website or call their ticket hotline on +44 (0) 870 429 4524.

GrassWorks^® in Scandinavia

15 July 2003

Miklagard Golf Course, a recently constructed Championship Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, has recently installed the first edition of GrassWorks^® to be sold into Scandinavia. Miklagard Golf Course general manager Tore Waago and course manager Ian Ross decided on GrassWorks^® after reviewing other Golf Course Management packages but decided on GrassWorks^® due to its potential cost saving attributes and user friendly simplicity.

Sports facilities with grass to care for will need the new software being devised by Greenfactory Productions Ltd, the first fledgling company to take up residence in the newly-designated technology business incubator at Sheffield Science Park.

With a SMART award already under their belts to develop their leading-edge grass technology idea, computer scientist Dr Derek Marriott and turf specialist John Coleman have put their heads together to design a grass care program for greenkeepers.

After four months "hot desking" in the SCEPTRE center at the Science Park, GreenFactory Productions has now moved into its first office in the Cooper Building and is now on course to market its innovation.

"It is not just collating data, it will help greenkeepers to carry out the day-to day management of their grass," said Dr Marriott. "It will cut out the mistakes made by miscalculation of the amounts of chemicals needed to keep the grass in peak condition. With premier football pitches costing around £500,000, and golf courses costing millions, few greenkeepers can afford to guess at what is needed to keep the turf in peak condition around the year. Getting their maths wrong on how much chemicals to use on the grass can prove very expensive for their club."

The software package, currently on test, will be available to football, rugby, tennis, cricket, hockey and golf clubs and local authority parks departments. It is already creating interest from sports clubs abroad.

GreenFactory has appointed a distributor and with around 60 % of greenkeepers using a computer in their office and 96% of them with home access, introducing them to the software on CDRom should not prove difficult.

Further development of the program will see it linked to the greenkeepers purchase of appropriate materials and a website is planned so that future upgrades of the software can be purchased on-line.

John Coleman nods resignedly when faced with the public¹s perception of a greenkeeper - a man riding a motor mower - and points out how complex green care is.
"Our program will eliminate the risks greenkeepers take in calculating how much weed killer, fertilizer, or pest control chemicals are needed. It is a very precise science in a multi-million pound business."

Acting Chief Executive of the Science Park Peter Wood commented, "The Science Park¹s new change of direction into an incubator for new high technology businesses is the perfect environment for Greenfactory Productions.

"As Venturesphere clients they are also being mentored through the start-up process and will receive help and advice along the way to see that the business grows. Their¹s is a unique product and it¹s good to know that such ideas are emanating from Sheffield companies."

Award Winner for Innovation UK Government, Department of Trade and Industry