Ransomes Jacobsen Equipment Again Used to Prepare Pitches at FIFA World Cup

March 03, 2010

Jacobsen, the Charlotte, NC turf equipment manufacturer, has delivered a selection of mowing equipment to maintain the stadium and training facilities at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa this summer. The equipment has been supplied by their South African distributor, CSE Equipment of Johannesburg. Jacobsen is a Textron Inc (NYSE: TXT) company.

A Jacobsen Tri-King at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban

Six new stadiums have been specially constructed for the event and will provide a legacy for South African soccer and other sports, when the competition ends on July 11, 2010.

Jacobsen mowers will be used to maintain the pitches at three of the new stadiums, one of the existing stadiums and two of the training venues. The new facilities where the Jacobsen equipment will be used are the 45,264 seat Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane in the north of the country; the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, with a capacity of 69,957; and the Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit, a two hour drive northeast of Johannesburg, which can accommodate 43,589 fans.

In Rustenburg, a Jacobsen Tri-King ride-on triple mower will be used to prepare the pitch at the 44,530 seat Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, where USA will open their campaign on June 12, 2010, against England, who are one of the favorites to lift the World Cup.

The Athlone stadium pitch is being maintained with a Jacobsen LF-3800 five cylinder mower.

The existing Orlando stadium in Johannesburg, which was built in 1959, has undergone a R234 million (US$30 million) facelift and is being used as a training venue. The pitches here are being maintained with a Jacobsen LF-3800 five unit ride-on mower.

Dan Wilkinson, president of Jacobsen commented,
“Once again we are delighted that it’s our equipment maintaining the playing surfaces at many of the venues at this global soccer tournament. It’s a great feeling to know that Charlotte has a connection with such a major sporting occasion, probably the biggest televised event across the globe. It’s a testament to the quality and reputation of our equipment that they are the preferred mowers of choice for stadium venues around the world.”

About Ransomes Jacobsen
With almost 180 years of experience in the turf maintenance industry, Ransomes Jacobsen has built a legacy of precision craftsmanship and unmatched expertise. Dedicated solely to delivering optimum turf conditions, Ransomes Jacobsen equipment is used on some of the finest golf courses, sports fields and amenity turf areas across the world. Additional information about the company can be found at www.ransomesjacobsen.com.
Ransomes Jacobsen is a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, a multi-industry conglomerate that leverages its global network of aircraft, defence, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information about Textron is available at www.textron.com.

About Jacobsen
With over 90 years of experience in the turf maintenance industry, Jacobsen has built a legacy of precision craftsmanship, legendary quality of cut and unmatched expertise. Dedicated solely to delivering perfectly groomed turf, Jacobsen equipment is used on some of the finest golf courses, sports fields and other formal turf areas across the United States and the world, through an extensive distribution network and the international Ransomes brand. Additional information about the company can be found at www.jacobsen.com.

About Textron
Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

For further information, please contact:

Adam Slick, Public Relations and Communications Manager
Jacobsen
704-504-4867
aslick@textron.com