Lawn Firm Announces Irish Expansion Plans

Londonderry-based Emerald Lawns (Ireland) has revealed plans to expand its turfgrass products across Ireland, with help from Invest NI.

The investment in growth by the company, which is based near Eglinton, was announced by Colin Sherrard, Managing Director of Emerald Lawns, and welcomed by Invest NI Managing Director of Clients and Entrepreneurship Ian Murphy.

At the heart of the new expansion is a substantial investment in the latest technology including a GPS-equipped Autostack machine for the automatic harvesting of turfgrass.

Mr Sherrard, outlining the expansion, which follows the acquisition of an additional 141 acres of sand-based land at Magilligan, said: "The objective of this investment is to increase production of a premium sand based turfgrass which can command a higher price than traditional turfgrass, and is highly sought after by golf greenkeepers and sporting venues due to its natural free-draining properties.

"The Autostack machine is enabling us to harvest turf three times faster than conventional harvesters," he said.

"The investment is also being made to enable us to increase sales outside Northern Ireland especially to the Republic of Ireland."

The company is being assisted by Invest NI in conjunction with the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development's Processing and Marketing Grants scheme.

Invest NI's Ian Murphy said: "The investment will enable the company to bid for new business in its target market through enhanced services to existing and potential customers with the application of innovative technology."

The company's main customers include golf courses, landscape contractors, builders and private householders in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland markets.

Emerald has provided turf for projects at Lansdowne Road rugby ground in Dublin and the K Club international golf course in Kildare. Currently eight people are employed, with the project expected to create three new posts.

(PR/JM)