Innovation is defined by Merriam-Webster as a new idea, method or device; it’s the introduction of something new.
Shaw Sports Turf embodies that definition whole-heartedly.
One can see it in the company’s history. Beginning in 2009 with the acquisition of Sportexe Construction Service, Shaw Sports Turf accomplished three big innovations only a year later:
- It fully integrated the manufacturing and supply chain for complete control over product quality.
- Shaw Sports Turf contracted the largest synthetic turf sports field installation in the U.S. — 1.7 million square feet.
- The company built a 13,000-square-foot sports science lab for product development and testing.
And that was only in 2010. Shaw Sports Turf hasn’t stopped evolving since its inception. For example, in 2016 the company launched Shawgrass, a landscape brand with both residential and commercial offerings. It has also released B1K: Batting a Thousand baseball systems used by four different major league baseball teams. NXTPlay Performance Play is another innovation that’s made of recycled artificial turf. Finally, GAME ON is tufting technology that allows enhanced design and integrated line packages.
The Why Behind Shaw Sports Turf
All the above are products and innovations that offer real-world solutions because since the very beginning, Shaw has continued to improve for one reason: its customers. This includes campus recreation which it’s been serving since 2009. “We offer innovations unlike any other company, giving our customers pride and confidence in the product they’ve chosen,” said Chuck McClurg, the executive vice president of Shaw Sports Turf.
This commitment to innovation for the client is evident in the example of the GAME ON technology. Noted as a great technological advancement to the turf industry by McClurg, it allows for designs and lines to be tufted in, decreasing the number of cuts in one’s field. Of course, other benefits of this are a greater level of field integrity and less maintenance. Plus, Shaw is offering a lifetime warranty on its GAME ON technology.
Another example of evolving for the customer is NXTPlay performance shock pad. It’s a sustainable option and creative solution for an artificial turf field at the end of its useful life. Shaw Sports Turf is recycling old playing services and transforming them. It offers a plethora of benefits including a superior draining rate, easy installation, little to no waste, Cradle to Cradle certified and much more.
A Leader in Innovation
Such innovations are produced in the company’s very own Research and Development Center. The facility is a 75,000-square-foot laboratory, the largest and most expansive in the industry. In fact, the building houses a pilot experimental manufacturing plant with narrow-width versions of Shaw Sports Turf’s typical machines. This allows the team to run initial trials found nowhere else.
Overseen by the director of innovation — who has a Ph.D. in biomechanics and kinesiology — athletes now test Shaw Sports Turf’s products at its new PEAK Performance lab. “We want to make sure we’re at the forefront of innovation in the turf industry, and we’re continuously making investments in our business to ensure we’re offering the best products and solutions,” said McClurg.
To do that, however, it takes a great team as well. It’s why Shaw Sports Turf’s mission is “great people, great products, great service, always.” The company’s people work hard and offer customers the best service possible. McClurg shared they get up every day, ready to make sure each customer and each field recieves nothing but their utmost attention. They work to live out their values of honesty, integrity and passion anyway they can.
A Partner for the Long Run
As such, it’s important to know aspects beyond product quality of the companies you work with. In fact, the reality is one must do their homework especially when it comes to turf fields. McClurg particularly urged campus rec professionals to select a company that will be around for the life of their field. Quality is the key in both the organization and the products it makes.
“Selecting a quality company with quality products will ensure longevity and less headaches along the way,” said McClurg. “Shaw Industries — the parent company of Shaw Sports Turf — is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway and will be here in the future to make sure our customers are taken care of for the life of their field should they need any maintenance, support or advice.”
With many years ahead, Shaw Sports Turf is sure to continue to innovate. As it does, it has proven it will remain true to its own vision of creating a better future for its customers, people and community.
