Latest News

Tennis Pro Bjorn Borg thinks new Tennis Courts are a Winner!

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Former World No. 1 tennis player, Bjorn Borg is considered to be the greatest tennis player of all time - winning five consecutive Wimbledon singles titles and six French Open singles titles.

Due to his successful career in tennis, he was the best person to open and play on the new courts at Lightwater Leisure Centre in Surrey. The centre, which is surrounded by protected woodland, offers a multitude of facilities and different ways to make sure people of all ages get the chance to keep fit and healthy.

Constantly making sure that the facilities they offer are the best they can be, Lightwater Leisure Centre decided that they wanted to resurface a block of five tarmac tennis courts into four multi sport courts. They selected Playrite's Winner 15 product, which is classified to ITF category 4 Medium Fast. The sand filled, tufted surface is manufactured with fibrillated polypropylene fibres to a pile height of 15mm and because the club decided to have inlaid line markings for netball and football the surface is suitable for multi sport use, as well as tennis. This means that the club will also be able to get much more use out of the sports surface and maximise their revenue potential.

The project was managed by Dales Sports Surfaces who have accumulated a great deal of experience working with Playrite products over the past 20 years.

Jamie Banwell-Clode General Manager of Lightwater Leisure Centre was at the grand opening with Bjorn Borg and commented:

"We chose Playrite as their product best matched our requirements for both tennis and multisport use and they came highly recommended within the industry. It was very important to have multi use courts to enable us to maximize our court bookings by catering for a variety of sports.

The project was managed and ran very smoothly, with Dales Sports Surfaces being excellent throughout the works, leaving us delighted with the quality of courts we now have. We have received nothing but positive feedback from our customers in relation to the development and we are attracting many new customers to our facility, due to the quality and multi use provision of our new courts."

Thank you to photographer Harriet Armstrong for supplying Playrite with these images.

Playrite puts best foot forwards and expands...

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Sports, leisure and play surface manufacturer Playrite is proving that the current economic trend doesn't have to be a barrier to success by moving into new, larger offices to cope with increasing levels of demand.

West Yorkshire-based Playrite manufactures artificial surfaces for the sports and leisure industries, and has just marked its 21st year in business by moving into the larger premises.

"The Playrite team has been growing steadily since the company was established, as has our annual turnover," explains Sales Director Chris Pickles. "Despite the prevailing economic conditions we have always managed to increase our turnover year on year. Even in the current climate, demand for our sports, leisure and play surfaces has continued to grow, and our performance to date in 2012 has been very promising.

"As a result we needed to expand our operations and make space for new people, so moving into the larger premises was a logical next step for us. We now have better office and meeting room facilities, plus more room to display the many products in our range.

"We have built our reputation on a combination of high quality products and high quality customer service," adds Chris. "With our new premises we are now set to continue our success well into the future."

Playrite Scores a Hat-Trick in South Wales

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Not one, not two, but three leisure centres in South Wales were lucky enough to be chosen by Caerphilly District Council to receive an upgrade to their current sports pitches. The centres had always been popular but over the last few years level of usage had lessoned as the state of the pitch surfaces worsened. Two of the old surfaces were needlepunch and one a redgra, but it was decided that the leisure centres could improve their facilities by providing a third generation surface manufactured by Playrite, which due to its longevity would add value to each centre as well as being suitable for a wider range of sports and applications.

Nigel Powel at Caerphilly District Council selected Conqueror 40 as being the ideal surface to meet all three leisure centre's requirements as it looks like real grass and offers similar playing characteristics whilst meeting FIH and FIFA 1 Star equivalent IATS performance standards as well as EN 15330 part 1. He was also keen to have a contractor with all the relevant experience carry out the necessary works and selected South Wales Sports Grounds, who have a vast experience of installing third generation pitches and are well known for high quality works and attention to detail throughout South Wales. Gary Kneller of South Wales Sports Grounds explained how he was extremely pleased with Playrite's Conqueror 40 product and reported that his fitters found laying both the underlay and the top surface trouble free and straight forwards, even though each site had different requirements and sub bases.

Heolddu Leisure Centre was the first project and required the excavation of the previous redgra surface and a new base creating before Playrite's Conqueror 40 could be laid on top. The leisure centre wanted a multi use games area that could be used throughout the day, every day of the week, regardless of weather conditions. The centre in Mid Glamorgan has a vision to improve the physical and cultural well being of the residents and visitors of Caerphilly County Borough, and now thanks to the 6,100 m² new sports pitch Heolddu Leisure Centre has achieved this with record figures.

Newbridge Leisure Centre was the second project and this time required the removal of the previous needlepunch surface that had been installed for many years. There were concerns that the old pitch would soon be deemed as unusable, and after the success at Heolddu Leisure Centre it was decided that Newbridge deserved the same update so that its pitch could be used for both hockey and football and with the correct maintenance could last the club for 10 years.

Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre near Blackwood is the third project that Playrite and South Wales Sports Grounds worked on with Caerphilly Council. Previously the pitch had a needlepunch surface installed, as with Newbridge and although the surface had served the centre and local schools for many years it was decided that a new 3G surface would provide a better playing surface and increase the pitches usability. Changing the pitch also meant that the centre now had the opportunity to increase the size and approximately 6890m² of Playrite's Conqueror 40 was installed in November 2011.

Gary Kneller of South Wales Sports Grounds explained how: "Playrite have long been manufacturers of synthetic surfaces, and we have been laying their carpets for over 15 years, There were no issues with delivery and the client is extremely pleased with the results of all of the sites."

Nigel Powell of Caerphilly Council worked very closely with Playrite's Sean Colbert to ensure the project went as smoothly as possible. He commented:

"I have been extremely pleased with the Playrite Conqueror product and the installation provided by South Wales Sports Grounds. I am sure that the efforts of both companies will be a benefit to the local community for years to come."

Education carpet specialist Heckmondwike introduces sporty sister Playrite

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Leading UK carpet manufacturer Heckmondwike, part of National Floorcoverings Ltd is using its proven track record in the education sector to introduce its sister division Playrite who specialise in synthetic surfaces for sport and leisure.

With shared corporate values such as commitment to quality, tradition for innovation and a belief that customer service is paramount, Heckmondwike and Playrite have gone from strength to strength from their shared manufacturing base in Liversedge, West Yorkshire. With complete control over the manufacturing process of their products, both companies can offer excellent quality surfaces and a stock availability which is unrivalled. As budgets tighten and schools look for superior surfaces that will stand the test of time, Heckmondwike and Playrite guarantee their products to perform in the most demanding environments.

Playrite has been manufacturing sports, playground and leisure surfaces for the education industry for over 20 years. Specialising in artificial surfaces for multi use games areas, tennis courts, cricket wickets and playground safety surfaces as well as producing a realistic tufted leisure grass range, products by Playrite are low maintenance and offer a cost effective solution to alternative surfaces.

Heckmondwike began producing commercial carpets in 1967 and today is firmly established as the leading specialist manufacturer of heavy contract fibre bonded carpet and carpet tiles. With a strong heritage of tradition and workmanship behind them, their cost-effective and versatile carpets are easy to install and maintain.

Heckmondwike and Playrite have already transformed countless schools and other installations across the UK and Europe and their helpful sales team would be happy to offer advice on any upcoming projects. For more information, do not hesitate to get in touch with Heckmondwike 01924 406161 or Playrite 01924 412488.

20 Years of Manufacturing Synthetic Surfaces

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It is with great pride I write this to celebrate our twentieth year in the sports surface industry. Playrite has witnessed ups and downs over the last two decades with the good outweighing the bad, we keep seeing people swap and change companies never wanting to leave this sector. Dealing with a wide customer base means a day in the week of Playrite is never the same, when I reflect on the past 20 years it is difficult to know who to mention and thank first.

It would be a miss not to thank Ian Beswick who with our previous Chairman had the foresight to set up Playrite and Ian must take credit for the initial product development and marketing attributes that set the company on its way. National Floorcoverings Group has never lost sight of Playrite's strengths and continues to show its support with investment whenever necessary. We have seen our sales force grow from two to six with the most recent appointment of our Spanish Sales Manager Jose Conde.

Without a doubt investment and development on our tufted range has helped Playrite grow, not just with tufted sales in football and leisure it gives us the ability to offer a totally impartial guide to the relevant sports surface to suit our clients need, this has supported and at times enhanced our needlepunch range.

Two special mentions must go to our long standing relationships built over 20 years of business with Dales Sports Surfaces and Centaur Products. Dales Sports worked alongside Playrite in developing our bowls surfaces initially in the UK yet most recently across the world and as far away as Australia. Dales extensively market our bowls surfaces alongside the Playrite name and have become without doubt the markets leader in supply and installation of bowls carpets.

Centaur Products owned by Dave Wilson came across Playrite some 18 years ago seeking to develop a portable indoor football surface. With our help we developed Rec-Turf together, supplying the system into Canada for the past 17 years. A huge Thank You from myself and Playrite to all our customers for their continued support.

Chris Pickles

Sales Director

Playrites CPD Presentation Receives RIBA Accreditation

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Playrite have always been regarded as experts, and now they feel it is important to pass their know-how on to architects so they have the knowledge to become experts themselves. Specifying synthetic grass for sport and play can be complex, especially if an architect has never had to work with products like this before. There are many issues to consider such as the type of surface (woven, needlepunch or tufted), the various sports governing body standards and how to know which surface is best for which sport or sports.

Now Playrite can answer all these questions, and any other that an architect or specifier may have about artificial surfaces for sport, play and leisure in our CPD presentation. Specifying Synthetic Grass for Sport and Play has been assessed by RIBA for quality of content and relevance, so everyone can be confident that they'll be learning something both useful and informative. And because it is RIBA approved, it's worth double points towards the 35 hours an architect needs to accrue throughout the year. The presentation lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes information on:

Different manufacturing processes
Understanding industry standards
Specific surfaces for sport
Playrite's impact on the environment
Maintenance regimes
Life cycle costs
Key elements to consider when specifying

What's more, the presentation is now available to architects without having to leaving the office. Playrite's RIBA accredited CPD is the only presentation on synthetic surfaces and artificial turf available online. Playrite are also members of NBS Plus, so if you subscribe to the NBS software, you'll be able to see their product specifications under clauses Q Paving/Planting/Fencing/Site furniture - Q26 Special surfacings/ pavings for sport/ general amenity: 210, 350.
This is just the start, as Marketing Manager Lorna Duncanson explains:

"After speaking with many individuals both online and in person, it is clear that customers are expecting more these days. Playrite are able to provide a wealth of experience and knowledge, as well as high quality products alongside excellent customer service. We are more than happy to go that extra mile when it comes to our customers."

Leading Sports Surfacing Manufacturer Reveals New Look for FSB

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As the start of FSB is fast approaching, Playrite, leading manufacturer of synthetic surfaces for sport, play and leisure, reveal a sneak preview of their new look which will launch at the trade show in October. The new campaign, which ties together Playrite's surfaces and the sports they are associated with was created by The Small Agency, who have supported Playrite in all major campaigns for the last 8 years. The new look will feature throughout the stand design, and after the trade show the campaign will filter through onto the website and product literature. The new design will encapsulate Playrite's commitment to innovation and a dedication to the sport, play and leisure industries, as more than ever Playrite pride themselves on helping customers select the right product for their individual project.

This year will see Playrite increase their stand size to be bigger than ever before, and whilst at FSB the manufacturers will be celebrating their 20th Birthday. Playrite have a lot to celebrate as the Company has gone from strength to strength since first established in 1991 when they started with just 5 employees. Now with 22 employees, the future is looking very promising for the West Yorkshire based Company.

Chris Pickles, Sales Director explains how:

"In 20 years Playrite has seen many changes to the synthetic turf industry. We embrace new product development and are famous for innovation, but most importantly we never forget our commitment to manufacturing quality surfaces and offering excellent customer service."

To find out more visit Playrite at FSB, Cologne 26th October till 28th October - Hall 11.2, stand P058.