Sports Technology

Issues relating to the supply of Plexipave acrylic sports surfaces in Australia have been resolved in recent months with California Sports Surfaces distributing the product and former Plexipave Australian distributor William Loud [Wm. Loud (Aust) Pty Ltd] now an approved applicator for the product.

Last August, US-based leading global sports surface manufacturer California Products Corporation announced the acquisition of Brisbane-based Rebound Ace Sports – bringing together two Grand Slam tennis surfaces within a single business.

Founded in 1979, Rebound Ace was well known as a manufacturer of innovative sports surface systems for tennis, netball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, gymnastics, cricket and other multi-sport uses.

Rebound Aces tennis surfaces have been installed for some of the world's most prestigious events, including the Australian Open for over 20 years up until 2008, the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, the Youth Olympics in Singapore and a range of Davis Cup and Fed Cup ties.

The acquisition of the Rebound Ace added a third brand to the California Sports Surfaces division which includes Plexipave®, the surface of the Australian Open since 2008, and DecoTurf® the surface of the US Open since 1978.

At the time of the acquisition, California Products' Chairman and Chief Executive Peter Longo stated “this transaction offers a strategic fit that will add new products, brands, geographies and distribution channels to our existing footprint.

California Products Chief Operating Officer Steven McMenamin added "we are committed to expansion and business augmentation (and) will continue to seek out new market opportunities to advance our brands and products."

The acquisition also saw members of the Rebound Ace staff team, including the Chairman, Chris Canty join California Products, with the Australian division trading as California Sports Surfaces.

Also speaking last year, Canty stated "we are very pleased to be joining two of the most recognised brands in the industry.

"The Rebound Ace brand is the perfect fit with Plexipave and DecoTurf."

Following the acquisition, a new arrangement with former Plexipave Australian distributor Wm. Loud (Aust) Pty Ltd has seen the Melbourne-based company become an approved applicator for the product.

Rebound Ace is the largest selling brand in Australia and New Zealand with the Rebound Ace High Shock Absorption (HSA) Club cushioned court using proven superior polyurethane rubber mat technology to reduce player fatigue and stress.

Other unique product offerings include a squeegee applied water based epoxy which acts as a moisture seal in the acrylic application process.

For more information contact California Sports Surfaces in Australia on 07 3723 8800, www.californiasportssurfaces.com

California Sports Surfaces will be providing a list of Plexipace approved applicators in the near future.

Image shows Plexipave as installed for the BNP Baribas Open at Indian Wells, USA.

Article amended 12.02pm, 22nd October 2014.

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