Pitch marking firm scores with bank

A ROSSENDALE business which makes pitch marking systems is gearing up for an export push after securing £400,000 from NatWest.

Linemark UK has said it will use the loan to stock up on titanium dioxide – a vital material for its pitch marking systems which is proving difficult to source.

Linemark’s products are used to mark pitches at several premier league football grounds including Old Trafford, Anfield, Stamford Bridge and White Hart Lane.  They are also used at Twickenham and Murrayfield, plus thousands of amateur sports pitches across the country.

Earlier this year, the company won a Queens Award for Innovation for developing its Impact Gold Paint system, which uses uses concentrated paint and a pressure sprayer making it possible to mark a whole football pitch using one litre of paint and no additional water.  

The company’s directors have said they are confident the technology will increase overseas sales, particularly in countries where water conservation is a major issue.  

The company currently has a turnover of £2.4m, employs 27 staff and exports to France, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Linemark director Tony Holt said: “The export side of the business has grown significantly.

“We see further growth potential in this area as awareness of the Impact Gold system increases.  Prior to securing any new contracts it is essential to have sufficient raw materials in place to meet the increase in demand.  NatWest has provided us with the financial support to cover any rise in production overheads.”