Jacobsen® A Textron Company

Karla R. Cuculi Jacobsen 704-504-6668

Angela B. Jamison Communicopia 919-371-2730

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

jacobsen supports unique high school program; helps prepare students for local job opportunities

 

CHARLOTTE, NC (December 12, 2007) – Charlotte-based manufacturer Jacobsen opened its doors on Tuesday, Dec. 11, to local high school students studying turf management in an innovative program designed to prepare them for career opportunities.

	Instructor Jacques LeCour (front) observes the Jacobsen 9016 Turbo rotary mower with his Fort Mill high school class majoring in golf course management. Jacobsen opened its doors to the students who toured its manufacturing and distribution facilities and provided the group with an in-depth look at career opportunities.
Jacobsen Quality Auditor Christopher Sherer (left) talks about the new AR-3 mower with high school students Trevor Parker, Chris Snipes and Assistant Principal Cory Johnson. The students are in a unique turf management program at Nation Ford High School in Fort Mill, SC. Jacobsen leads the turf equipment industry in training and education through its on-site, hands-on training facility called Jacobsen University.

Jacobsen, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, shared insight on what it is like to be the premier supplier of high quality turf equipment and vehicles to customers who manage turf on golf courses, sports turf and municipal grounds including ball fields, parks and other recreation areas.

The students from Nation Ford High School in Fort Mill, SC, are majoring in golf course management, the only public school program in the greater-Charlotte area designed to teach the skills needed for success in the local turf industry.

To provide these students with a better idea of the demands involved with maintaining professional turf at the highest level, Jacobsen’s management team gave them a guided, behind-the-scenes look at its headquarters and manufacturing plant. By touring the company’s facilities, the students gained real-world knowledge from a global leader and saw how turf equipment they may one day operate is manufactured, tested and prepared for distribution to dealers worldwide.

“The Carolinas is at the heart of the global golf industry and Jacobsen is proud to have the facilities and staff to provide an in-depth look at career opportunities,” said Joe Cunningham, Jacobsen vice president of marketing. “We want these future professionals to understand not only is there an abundance of local career opportunities in golf and turf, but that there’s more to this job than just growing and mowing grass,” Cunningham added.

Nation Ford’s agri-science program, created and headed by agricultural educator Jacques LeCour, is designed to give students a jump-start on a career by teaching them the skills and work ethic to start a job right out of high school or pursue higher education.

“The opportunities in the local turfgrass industry are endless and this program gives an overview of the skills these students will need to succeed at different levels of employment,” LeCour says. “We are fortunate to have the Jacobsen world-class headquarters and professional staff right here in Charlotte.”

Jacobsen leads the turf equipment industry in training and education through its on-site, hands-on training facility called Jacobsen University. Since its founding in 1921, Jacobsen has invented equipment that helps turf professionals succeed in doing their jobs.

Jacobsen introduced the first greens mower, the first riding greens mower, the first lightweight fairway mower, the first turf groomer, the first electric riding greens mower, the first electric walking greens mower and the first magnetic bed knife. From quality-of-cut to ease-of-use, Jacobsen sets the standard for what the professional turf equipment industry has become today.

About Jacobsen

Jacobsen manufactures a full range of turf maintenance equipment and utility vehicles to meet the needs of today’s customers who manage and maintain golf courses, sports fields and municipal grounds. Jacobsen ensures every product performs to the standards of these top-level professionals by asking for and listening to their feedback throughout the product lifecycle, providing dedicated support and service training and conducting thorough testing for quality and reliability. The company markets Jacobsen brand products in the U.S. and internationally through an extensive independent distribution network and the Ransomes brand through independent distribution in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Jacobsen, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a Textron company. Additional information about the company, its products and commitment to customer support is available at www.jacobsen.com.

About Textron
Textron Inc. is an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, 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, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.

 

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