Weedtechnics. 

Full Steam Ahead for Green Safe Weed Control

Weedtechnics has flourished in the Municipal Councils market, providing green, safe, weed control solutions ultilising its’ patented Steamwand technology. The company has doubling contract revenues in 2008. Eliminating the need for chemicals, its technology delivers super heated water & wet steam to destroy weeds on contact. 

Despite a gloomy economic climate, entrepreneurial companies like Weedtechnics are implementing rapid expansion plans and investing infrastructure. The founder of Weedtechnics, Jeremy Winer says “whilst many companies are shedding staff and feeling the effect of a credit crunch we have made conscious decision to invest in establishing our leadership in the market place”.

Mr Winers' previous business, Marsupial Landscapes, was established during the market crash of 87. From humble beginnings, Mr Winer grew this business to be one of the countries largest landscape management companies at the time of selling on his interest.  Mr Winer believes there are still market opportunities available, even in bear markets. “You need to do your research well and have the confidence to take them”, say Mr Winer.  “The opportunity to acquire assets at a reasonable price also exist in these tougher periods”, Mr Winer highlighted. “Investing in our business now we believe will allow for continued growth and put us in a solid position to reap even greater rewards when the economic activity picks up again”, Mr Winer added.

The market interest in Weedtechnics is being driven by the introduction of new legislation regulation the application of herbicides within urban areas, the rapid growth of organic production and the public demand for reductions in chemical use. The ground swell of community concern over the potentially detrimental health impacts of herbicides use has lead to a growing number of Councils restricting chemical use, particularly in sensitive areas such as school, parks and highly traffic public areas.

Weedtechnics have been further encourage by trials completed in December 2008 by the University of New England that found Weedtechnics steam weeding delivered the highest adjusted income for organic producers (i.e. gross income for organic produce less the cost of the weeding method). Conducted as a comparison of weed management methods, this study also confirmed that Weedtechnics was a lower cost weed management solution than pine oil, tillage and clipping, and only 14% higher than glyphosate in general horticultural production.

Most recently the company secured contracts with the City of Fremantle and City of Nedlands, building on a client base that have lead the way in adoption of Steamwand for the benefit of their communities include Leichhardt Council, Darling Habour Authority and Waverley Council. Over the past 3 year, the business has further developed its’ technology to provide for the need for weed management solutions in horticulture, viticulture, and organic production. First Steamwand unit for export was exhibited at World Ag Expo in Tulare CA in February 2009. Strategon has assisted Weedtechnics over the past 3 year to business and strategic planning, fund raising, market research, export market entry planning, local business development and corporate

advisory advice pursuing acquisition opportunities.

Lisa Nolan and Russell Smith have assisted Weedtecnics to secure over $350,000 in grant assistance that has allowed the business to protect its intellectual property, research the addressable market, defined a local and export market strategy, complete manufacturing arrangements in the US and secure referencecustomers.