Tradition and innovation

TRADITION

  • Early 20th century-1934.  Antonio Espinosa Carreres, a businessman from Crevillente, owner of one of the most important carpet companies in the Crevillente area.  Businesses manufactured esparto grass mats, adding new fibers such as reed and pita and spreading the practice of matting to other capitals in Spain (Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona).
  • 1934-1980- After his death, his sons, and especially his daughter Maria Espinosa Oliver continue the family business with one of the most important textile warehouses in the area.
  • 1980-2002- Maria´s children, Francisco and Antonio Candela Espinosa, started several textile businesses including Crevicesped, which manufactures second generation sports artificial grass (25 mm maximum height/polypropylene fibers/silica filler)

 

INNOVATION

  • 2002-Juan Rodriguez Sanchez and Antonio Candela Torregrosa, who both studied and worked in the United States, bring to the Spanish industry a new concept of third generation artificial grass (up to 60 mm height/polyethylene fibers/SBR infill).  The currently known Realturf Systems SL is born.
  • 2003-Realturf designs the first artificial grass for ornamental purposes for public and private areas.  The Elche City Council believes in this new eco-sustainable concept (in the emblematic piece located on Avenida del Ferrocarril) which would save a lot on maintenance and water expenses for the city.
  • 2008-The economic crisis hits the national market. Realturf begins to expand to international markets. France, Italy and the United Kingdom: the first markets with excellent acceptance.
  • 2012-50% the of annual sales turnover in international markets.
  • 2013-New logistics and production center in Alicante.
  • 2015-International growth continues with the starting of Realturf USA.  Headquarters and logistics center in Houston, United States.
  • 2016-Exceeds the annual production of 1,000,000 square meters of sports and ornamental artificial grass.
  • October 2019-First Spanish company to meet the demanding international standards and join the FIFA QUALITY PROGRAM.
  • December 2019-Exceeds the annual production of 2,000,000 square meters of artificial grass.