Artificial Turf History

AstroTurf was co-invented in 1965 by Donald L. Elbert, James M. Faria, and Robert T. Wright, employees of the Monsanto Company. It was patented in 1967 and originally sold under the name "Chemgrass". It was renamed AstroTurf by Company employee John A. Wortmann after its first well-publicised use at the Houston Astrodome stadium in 1966.

In 1987 Monsanto consolidated its AstroTurf management, marketing, and technical activities in Dalton, Georgia, as AstroTurf Industries, Inc. In 1988 Balsam AG purchased all the capital stock of AstroTurf Industries, Inc. In 1994 Southwest Recreational Industries, Inc. (SWRI) acquired the AstroTurf brand. In 1996 SWRI was acquired by American Sports Products Group Inc. (ASPG). In 2001, SWRI launched a turf system called NexTurf. In 2003 SWRI changed its name to SRI Sports and one year later filed for bankruptcy and the parent company, ASPG, retained the AstroTurf rights. In 2005 Textile Management and Associates (TMA) acquired the AstroTurf assets and intellectual property from ASPG and began marketing the AstroTurf brand under the company AstroTurf, LLC. In 2006 GeneralSports Venue (GSV) became TMA’s marketing partner for the AstroTurf brand for the American market. AstroTurf, LLC handles the marketing of AstroTurf in the rest of the world.

Case Studies:

  • Cheltenham Ladies’ College

    Cheltenham  Ladies’ College

    Cheltenham Ladies College is known as being one of the country’s top independent girls’ schools so it's of no surprise that we were delighted when we recently got the go ahead to refurbish there all weather hockey pitch.

    The works included the replacement of the external sports pitch, including new playing surface, improvements to drainage, installation of retractable floodlighting, replacement of perimeter fencing, and improvements to surrounding hardstanding/ drainage.

  • Notre Dame School, Cobham

    Notre Dame School, Cobham

    Construction of synthetic hockey pitch (FIH certified), tennis courts together with associated fencing, floodlighting and car parking.