A little-known British company has revealed its key role in the World Cup – marking out all the white lines on pitches.
Pitchmark has shipped out 15,000 litres of grass paint and 100 lining machines to Brazil and is responsible for marking out the 12 pitches and 32 training grounds.
The family firm, based in Coalpit Heath near Bristol, only launched four years ago and is run by husband and wife team Mark and Sue Rodman.
All their line machines are handmade by Mark, 50, and their two sons, Darren, 26, and Tim, 24 – who were knocking up 18 machines a day in the build-up to the event.
Sue, 49, the company’s finance director, said: “It’s a real Cinderella, rags to riches story.
“We really can’t believe. Two years ago we decided this would be our aim and here we are. It’s unbelievable and the most amazing feeling.”
Sue puts the company’s success down to the fact that Mark spent over 15 years working as a groundsman before setting up the business.
“Groundsmen all take such pride in their work and getting every little detail correct,” she said.
“Mark wants everything to be as easy as possible for the linesmen in terms of quality and we can provide that.”
The lining machines must have their widths locked to ensure that new goal line technology works, with even a few millimetres making all the difference.
Pitchmark is already making enquires for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England and have sites sights set on Russia 2018.
