"When Monkey Puzzle Playgrounds was formed, as the name suggests, our primary aim was to design, create and install challenging, fun and safe playground areas. We knew, however, that there were sectors of the safety surface industry that we could target as well and sports surfaces was an area of expansion that we were looking at", MPP UK Managing Director,Will Campbell explains, "to succeed in winning the contract to regenerate the pitch perimeter at a Premier League football stadium is a major breakthrough for the company".
Campbell began negotiations with the St. Mary's outfit back in March 2011, with agreement to commence work in May of this year and had to be completed within a tight schedule, alongside other stadium improvements and scheduled pre-season friendlies.
"The area in question is very large and we would have preferred more time to complete the works, especially as it had to be carried out during one of the wettest summers on record. Even though the inclement weather caused delays we were determined to deliver the works on time and to our usual high standards", added Campbell".
There was a further important reason for a successful installation, namely that Campbell is a lifelong Saints supporter.
"To achieve one of our goals, excuse the pun, of breaking into the sports surfaces sector was satisfying, to actually win the contract at the home of the club I am a lifelong supporter of, was the icing on the cake and I can honestly say, (echoing the words of footballers up and down the country), we are over the moon!"
Campbell confirmed that the sports surfaces sector is firmly in the company's sights, with further projects in the pipeline within football, golf and tennis.
Their successful project at St. Mary's confirms that they can compete with the major suppliers of sports surfaces in the UK. Campbell confirmed that there are plans to create a sub division of the Monkey Puzzle Group, which currently includes http://MonkeyPuzzlePlaygrounds.com and http://MonkeyPuzzleDayNurseries.com, to concentrate solely on sports surface installation and maintenance.
"With the growth in trade we expect to witness in the sports sector, it makes sense to create and market that part of our operation separate to the existing playgrounds division", Campbell confirmed.
Anyone requiring advice or information on sports surfaces or safety surfaces in general should contact Will Campbell at their Hertfordshire head office on 0800 411 8500.
