TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT improve the industry-leading quality, flexibility and speed of SIS Pitches’ stitching capabilities, which are frequently used for major sporting competitions, including the World Cup, Rugby World Cup, NFL, Premier League, Saudi Pro League and several other top European leagues.
Each new machine boasts a patented drum mechanism that allows for faster stitching by enabling forward movement in larger increments than comparable machines. Meanwhile, the combination of a new cutting device and an innovative needle clamp system ensures precision and consistency in every stitch. Both of these features have been recently patented.
Thanks to a fully customisable stitching configuration the new machines can stitch to any depth from 45mm to 180mm. This marks a major step forward from competing technologies of this type, which are generally limited to only two set depths. SIS Grass Hybrid machines can also offer the widest range of spacing options available on the market, from 15x20, 20x20 and 30x20. This ultimately allows grounds managers to specify an installation with the right level of reinforcement for their athletes and climate, while also accommodating the needs of a stadium, pitch profile or budget.
One of the configurations made possible by the new machines is SIS Pitches’ pioneering shallow stitch concept – GameReady Hybrid – with fibres pre-stitched into turf / sod rolls at 45mm depths.
This is a fully tested and data-backed innovation that offers an industry first: the installation of a prestitched turf that can be harvested, transported and laid as a ready-toplay reinforced hybrid surface in a matter of days. Three stadiums in the United States have already made use of the unique GameReady system: MetLife in New York, Camping World in Orlando and the Bank of America in North Carolina.
Ivo Lamot, CEO at SIS Pitches said:“ The development of our new hybrid pitch stitching machines is a major step forward for us as a business, and demonstrates our continued commitment to innovation and providing the very best playing surfaces. Further, the new machines have immediately raised the bar for stadium owners and operators seeking the quick and customisable installation of a new playing surface.
“ Throughout our R & D process, we’ ve been conscious that grounds staff working in stadia around the world now typically have much narrower windows in which they are expected to change their pitch. Through a combination of patented technology and stadium-oriented design, we’ ve created a solution that meets the evolving needs of customers around the world. Plans are already in place for us to apply this concept to world renowned stadia looking for the fastest ever turnaround between a concert and competitive fixture.
“ As a business, our purpose is to power more play. By increasing both the speed and quality of a typical hybrid pitch installation, we’ re making stitched hybrid technology more accessible than ever before, ensuring multi-use stadia can host more sporting events and generate more revenue than ever before.”
The fleet of new machines will be deployed across the world throughout July, strategically located in areas of anticipated demand. There will be sets located in Europe, USA, Canada, South America, the Middle East, and also a set that can be moved around the rest of the world as required.
For more information on SIS Pitches’ sports pitch installation services, visit sispitches. com
Follow us @ ludmagazine www. landud. co. uk 91