Landscape Architect Articles

Ground Gains December 201412-01-14 | News

Ground Gains
Mergers, Acquisitions, Expansions

The Toro Company has partnered with The Cooperative Purchasing Network to provide Toro's mowing and grounds care equipment to TCPN's large pool of government purchasing agents nationwide. TCPN is a purchasing cooperative that works alongside national vendors allowing government entities to make compliant purchases at a valued rate. It is one of the fastest growing cooperative purchasing companies in the nation, and aims to provide greater efficiency to governmental and public entities in procuring goods.

Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, a leading stainless outdoor kitchen manufacturer, formed a strategic alliance with Cosentino, a manufacturer of quartz, natural stone, and architectural surfaces such as Dekton, an innovative new line of ultra-compact surface with advanced technical properties for exterior design. The alliance was launched at this year's Fall High Point Market, one of the largest home furnishings trade shows in the world. Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens will specify Dekton as part of its countertop selection process. In addition, its representatives will participate in a training session to learn about creating and offering designs focused on color combinations and performance for the combined products.

Dixie Chopper chose to power its Zee 2 zero-turn mower with a 23 gross horsepower Briggs & Stratton commercial turf engine. The engines were built to meet the harsh working environments zero-turn mowers are expected to work in every day. The engine line features a patented integrated cyclonic air filtration system that offers five steps of debris management to provide dust and particle filtration. The cyclonic air filtration system will withstand a maintenance interval of 250 hours under normal use, about two to three times longer than panel style air filters.

Hustler Turf Equipment has purchased a utility vehicle product line from a European construction equipment manufacturer. Hustler has acquired tooling and design for the utility vehicle, with plans to expand its line of products. The vehicle will be manufactured at the facility in Hesston, Kansas, with production slated to begin in the fall of 2015.

MaxLite, a leading manufacturer of LED lighting solutions, expanded its U.S. operations with the opening of a new LEED-certified facility in Anaheim, Calif. The 48,864-square-foot building increased MaxLite's product assembly and testing capabilities and features the company's first full showroom on the West Coast. The $7.5 million new construction is outfitted entirely with energy-efficient MaxLite LED lighting products. The building, which was developed by Panattoni Construction Company, received LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for following best-in-class green building strategies and practices.

Scotts Miracle-Gro Company announced that its subsidiary EG Systems, doing business as Scotts LawnService, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Action Pest Control, in Evansville, Ind. The transaction, which is expected to close by January 2015, would mark the company's first acquisition of a structural pest control business. For more than a year, Scotts LawnService has been operating a pest business in Florida using the company's Ortho brand.

Missouri-based Billy Goat Industries has acquired the Plugr brand of aerators from SourceOne in Lincoln, Neb. Plugr has been known for its reciprocating aerators. According to a statement from Billy Goat, reciprocating aerators have advantages over traditional drum aerators. This allows for unique features such as in-ground turning that reduces contractor fatigue; fewer tines for easier service.

Terracare Associates has expanded into Texas with the acquisition of VMC Landscape. The purchase moves Terracare into one of the fastest-growing markets for landscaping in the country. The purchase of VMC will add more than 160 employees to Terracare's rolls and add another state to its territory. It previously had operations in Colorado, California and Utah.

Takeuchi, a global innovation leader in compact equipment, has announced Bennett Equipment & Supply as its newest dealer in South Carolina. Located in Piedmont, S.C., they will carry the full line of Takeuchi compact earthmoving equipment, including compact excavators, compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders and skid steer loaders.

The Toro Co. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the BOSS professional snow and ice management business of privately-held Northern Star Industries. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and currently is expected to close during Toro's fiscal 2015 first quarter. BOSS designs, manufactures and sells snowplows, salt and sand spreaders, and related parts and accessories for light and medium duty trucks, ATVs, UTVs and loaders.