A Welsh company has secured a US$1m contract to supply Dubai’s top golf course with a unique organic wood mulch that is both coloured and fire retardant.
Neath-based Equipment Supply Services (ESS) has supplied and installed the machinery that will be used to turn waste wood – broken transport pallets and similar material from Dubai’s ports – into raw woodchips.
It has also supplied the colouring equipment and the high-tech dye which will be used to transform these chips into a decorative mulch, for use in the landscaping of the new Jumeirah Golf Estate, which will host the world’s richest golf tournament – The Dubai World Championship.
The prestigious course is being designed by top golfer turned entrepreneur, Greg Norman, who personally approved the shade of colour to be used on the course, which is one of four being created.
“This is very environmentally-friendly story, creating a decorative mulch out of waste wood. The mulch has been dyed a bespoke colour to suit the landscaping requirements of our client,” explains ESS managing director, Sean Reilly. “In this case, we have also added a UV-resistant coating so that the wood chips retain their colour despite being exposed to strong sunlight.
“The fire resistant aspect is also highly important in a hot, dry climate, where a cigarette end, for instance, could easily cause a serious fire.”
Sean Reilly said the Middle East represented a huge opportunity for his company as in addition to the prestigious golf courses that are already up and running, a further 18 courses are planned.
Mr Reilly, a graduate of the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, set up ESS in 2003 and now has contracts supplying machinery to the recycling, forestry, agricultural and horticultural industries.
“The market for organic wood mulch is also growing swiftly,” he said. “It has great potential for parks, leisure areas, and other public spaces, because it is organic, poses no risk to children or pets, and acts as a soil stabiliser, preventing moisture loss and erosion.”
Equipment Supply Services www.equipmentsupply.co.uk
Jumeirah Golf Estates www.jumeirahgolfestates.com