STRI expands Down Under

STRI (Sports Turf Research Institute) is establishing a turfgrass research centre and headquarters in Australia.

The Bingley-based company’s operation will be based at the Redlands Research Station in Cleveland, Queensland, where it will conduct research into individual cultivar characteristics, turf performance, the efficacy of turfgrass products and the development of innovative technologies for the Australian market.

This centre will also be the headquarters for STRI’s consultancy services for the design and maintenance of all turfgrass sports surfaces.

The expansion for STRI supports its work on current and future international consultancy projects, including the design and development of the stadia and training pitches for the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil and its management of sports surfaces projects in Australia, Middle East and Asia.

STRI was launched in 1929 to provide research and advisory services for golf clubs on their golf greens and courses.

The last two decades have seen rapid growth within STRI, currently with 75 staff, delivering a range of research and consultancy services across an international client base of around 2,100 sports clubs and facilities each year.

Chief executive Gordon McKillop said: “This new venture in Australia represents our commitment to the turfgrass industry to help improve the global knowledge of sports turf management within a rapidly moving industry. We are replicating the successful research and consultancy format we have established in the UK to further cement our position as leaders in the field.”

The new Australian office and research facility will be headed up by managing director Mark Godfrey.

Keith McAuliffe has joined the company as head of consultancy services for STRI Australia. He has 28 years’ experience working within the sports turf industry across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

The facility and offices will be fully operational by September.