Saturday sees Hoppers play their final league game of the 2013/14 National 2 North season with Sheffield Tigers the visitors. We’re pleased to be welcoming Hosokawa Micron Ltd as our main match sponsor for the day.
As a world leader in specialist engineering of powder processing equipment and systems and a pioneer of containment technology, advanced materials science and nanotechnology, Hosokawa Micron Ltd has forged a global reputation for expertise in delivering a total engineering solution from initial design concept to final commissioned powder processing plant. You could say they are in the front line of manufacturing, tackling complex engineering solutions.
Hosokawa Micron’s industrial experience includes: Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Agrochemical, Cosmetics, Food, Confectionery, Pigments, Plastics, Toners, Minerals, Metal Powders, Ceramics, Nuclear and Recycling.
The company has a strong heritage of working in partnership and co-operation with our customers to attain the perfect, winning solution. With dedication to teamwork, hands-on practical application and innovative routes to achieving their goals, these are characteristics and qualities that resonate with those on the rugby pitch.
A committed supporter of local amateur sports and enterprise, Hosokawa Micron is proud to be the official sponsor of the final game of the 2013/14 season at Lightfoot Green, between Sheffield Tigers and Preston Grasshoppers.
Ahead of the game we caught up with Managing Director Iain Crosley who is also the Senior Colts Coach at Preston Grasshoppers to ask him some questions.
PGRFC: Who are Hosokawa Micron and what services do they offer?
IC: The Hosokawa- Micron Group are the largest company in the world offering Powder Processing Equipment and Technologies. Continuously innovating new solutions as new challenges are generated, across a range of industries. We work with our customers undertaking the testing of materials, feasibility and front end engineering design studies as well as supplying turnkey processes.
PGRFC: What connections do Hosokawa Micron have to Preston Grasshoppers?
IC: There is a long connection with Hoppers as part of our Company was founded in Bacup as L.E. Stott, and players including Pat and Alex Sanderson have connections to the company. I and my sons James and Niall are members of the Club and have been involved in playing and coaching at the club for a number of years. We have also employed Apprentices from the Preston Area again having been part of the Club.
PGRFC: Why should members of Preston Grasshoppers consider using Hosokawa Micron services?
IC: We are a company who believe in high standards and long-term relationships with our customers. When someone makes a decision to invest in a process, they need to know that the supplier is reliable and will provide support throughout the processes life cycle, rather than sell and forget. When people use Hosokawa products they know that they will get the latest environmentally friendly technologies and excellent after sales service and support.
PGRFC: Why are Hosokawa Micron keen to sponsor a 1st XV game at Hoppers?
IC: We believe in showing our Customers, Suppliers and Employees that we value them and their support, and we feel that holding hospitality events at Hoppers gives people an excellent experience, with top quality catering and facilities, in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. A great introduction to Rugby for many people who may not normally experience this wonderful game.
Hosokawa in Japan are also involved in the promotion and development of the game ahead of the World Cup to be held there.
PGRFC: Tell us a little about the Senior Colts season this year…
IC: The Senior Colts have had a good season as far as the Raging Bull Colts league is concerned. The league is made up of 5 Leagues A to E and Hoppers finished second in the “A” League, winning 10 from 14 games and scoring 343 points and conceding 162. This was a great effort from the lads and is a big step on their way to open age rugby.
PGRFC: Are there any players we should be looking out for in the next few years who have come through the Senior Colts?
IC: There are a number of players from this side who have shown their mettle this year these include Ollie Yates, Jack Wilkinson, Alex Taylorson, Alex McPolin and Tom Flanagan. Many of them having made appearances for the 1st and 2nd XVs. Of the younger lads who still have one more year at this age Adam Saleh and Craig Procter deserve a mention, as does John McKenzie from the Junior Colts.
The Hoppers machine certainly seems to produce potentially good players.
PGRFC: What’s your prediction for the game this Saturday?
IC: All ways a difficult shout with a team that have already been relegated and will be playing with a lot of pride and have nothing to lose. Hoppers will be looking to try and improve their league position and will need to be clinical to come away with maximum points. On balance Hoppers should win and by 15 points.
We hope that Iain, his colleagues, clients and guests enjoy a great day at Lightfoot Green on Saturday.
