BLOOMINGTON, MN - The Toro Company announced it has acquired certain assets from TY-CROP Manufacturing Ltd., a manufacturer of topdressing and material handling equipment for golf course and sports field applications. 

Through the acquisition, Toro has acquired several models of topdressing and material handling equipment that will enhance the company's position in the turf maintenance industry. TY-CROP products will be marketed under the Toro brand and sold through Toro's distribution channel in the United States and international markets.

"Comprehensive cultivation and topdressing programs are increasingly important for our customers around the world," said Michael Happe, vice president of Toro's commercial business.  "Golf courses and sports fields rely on these machines to achieve improved agronomic conditions and to create healthy, consistent playing surfaces.  TY-CROP's solid reputation in this important category complements our existing line of application and cultivation equipment.  Equally, it provides our customers with a more comprehensive offering to meet their turf maintenance needs."

While primarily employed on golf course greens and fairways to improve turf health, control thatch and provide optimal playing conditions, topdressing and material handling equipment is gaining increased acceptance on sports fields.  Sports turf managers will use these machines to evenly apply a variety of materials like topsoil, fertilizer, sand, lime, and even crumb rubber for artificial turf.

Based in Rosedale, British Columbia, TY-CROP is a privately held company.  In business for more than 30 years, TY-CROP has built a solid reputation around a durable line of topdressers and material handlers.  The company's other businesses, which include trailers and oil and gas products, were not associated with this acquisition and will continue normal operation.

About The Toro Company

The Toro Company is a worldwide provider of turf and landscape maintenance equipment, and precision irrigation systems. With sales of nearly $1.9 billion in fiscal 2008, Toro's global presence extends to more than 140 countries through its reputation of world-class service, innovation and turf expertise. Since 1914, the company has built a tradition of excellence around a number of strong brands to help customers care for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties, and agricultural fields. More information is available at www.thetorocompany.com.