A HARDEN-based sports turf specialist is breaking new ground.

STRI Group, housed on the St Ives estate, has opened a design and consultancy office in Hong Kong.

The move is the latest development in a continued global expansion by the company.

And the new arm, STRI Hong Kong Ltd, has already secured major contracts.

Among them is the provision of turf solutions to Kai Tak Sports Park, a multi-purpose sports stadium to be built at the site of a former airport in Kowloon.

Plus it will upgrade the famous Yuen Long Stadium, in New Territories.

Peter Rasmussen, an experienced turf industry professional, has joined STRI Hong Kong as lead consultant.

The addition to the STRI Group international network means the company now has outlets in several countries outside Europe, including China, Qatar and Australia, where it has two facilities.

There is also further growth on the horizon.

STRI Hong Kong will work closely with Tizan Turf Science, based in Shanghai, which is a leading turf construction and renovation business in the region.

Lee Penrose, STRI Group director, said: “We are continuing to expand our global offering as the demand for cutting-edge and sustainable sports surface solutions increases.

“We are always looking for talented people and new businesses to work within the group.”

Latest recruits to the STRI Group team include Kelly-Marie Clack, who has joined as a consultant agronomist.

She will be working with a range of sports facilities across the UK.

Kelly has served in the amenity industry for over ten years, most recently with AGS.

“I’m over the moon to have joined STRI Group,” she said.

“It’s an exciting time for the business and I’m relishing starting this journey with the group.

“I have lots to learn over the coming months and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Agronomy general manager, Paul Woodham, welcomed the appointment.

“Kelly has been on our radar for a while and this is the perfect time to welcome her to STRI Group,” he said. “Her skillsets and enthusiasm are well suited to our team, which works across a diverse range of sports. Her recruitment has been well received in the industry.”