BUNDESLIGA, GERMANY

Willi Droste, Head Greenkeeper Borussia Dortmund.

Borussia Dortmund is one of the most successful clubs in German football. In addition to six German football championships and two German Cup victories, Dormund won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1966 and the UEFA Champions League in 1997.

Willi Droste, head greenkeeper together with his 10 employees is responsible for all the club’s green spaces including 6 training fields, other green areas and parking spaces. His priority is the maintenance and care of the Signal Iduna Park.

Originally a farmer, Willi has been with the club thirteen years. His passion for his work and his love for the club means he takes his role seriously and meets every challenge with determination.

We asked Willi what it means to be in charge of this kind of work: “Being responsible for the playing field of a premier league club puts you under constant observation, and pressure. Some match day, millions of people are watching. If you want to play football at the highest level, you also need a perfect lawn. Players and coaches have high expectations and it’s justified. We have a responsibility to the club, the supporters and of course the players – they rely on us to make it work for them.

Just as the club relies on me to do a good job, I need to be able to rely 100 % on my machines. Besides from BUNDESLIGA, GERMANY Willi Droste, Head Greenkeeper Borussia Dortmund. 7 giving top performance and being easy to handle I expect them to be ready at all times, whatever the conditions we are working in. We have to be ready. Service intervals are key. I can’t afford the time for my machines to be out of action.”

When asked about his experience with Husqvarna Willi told us: “ When I worked as a farmer, Husqvarna was the power products I relied on. Being a farmer is a tough job and they didn’t let me down. I introduced them here when I started all those years ago. Today I know I made the right decision. Everything works smoothly. Yes I’m satisfied.

We have quite an extensive pool of equipment. Currently we are using 5 lawn tractors and 2 front mowers PF 21. 5 different lawnmowers with Bioclip functions and 3 aerators. But it’s not just about the lawns. We also have 2 of each 356BTX and 125BVX blowers. 1 of each 325HE3X and 123HD60 hedge trimmers and a top handle T435 chainsaw. You see, we’re using almost everything Husqvarna has to offer. Because they help us to do not just a good job, but a great job. And that’s the most important thing to me.

“…their consistent reliability and commitment to their products makes them the ideal partner for my business.”

You asked me how often I update my equipment and what my reasons are for choosing Husqvarna. We work with our equipment for 2 years before I changing. Of course I consider other brands but having worked with Husqvarna for so many years I know I can rely on these products. The quality is right and durability high. Handling is not difficult for new members of my team. It doesn’t take long before their work is productive. The assortment is large and I know I’ll find the right product for the job I need to work with. It’s not about one-stop shopping, it’s about a company who understands what we have to achieve and what we need to do the job well.

We work with Mertin from Werl. They know their business and their service is exemplary. Whenever a problem occurs they come here and take care of it on the spot. Their repair shop is open on weekends. That’s important, I simply can’t wait until the Monday. A few days can make a big difference to us when we are working to a set schedule. They are a proactive dealership and give me competent advice. Mertin’s also show me products and keep me up-to-date with the latest developments in Husqvarna technology. They let me try the products for a few days. That definitely helps me to make the best decisions when it comes to buying. And with the constant renewal of my machine pool it’s crucial.

If I had to sum up my relationship with Husqvarna’s products and representatives, I would have to say that their consistent reliability and commitment to their products makes them the ideal partner for my business.”