Revolutionary lineation machine makes it easier for soccer clubs

With more than 30 years of experience under their belt, EXPO-LINE has more than earned its place in the soccer world. You may know them for the innovative "Vanishing Spray," which has been used by UEFA referees and others since its launch in 2014. At least as innovative is the E-Marker, a smart line marking device that is already receiving tremendously positive feedback from OH Leuven. 

The brains behind both developments is Raf Bogaerts, manager and developer at EXPO-LINE. "I always try to bring innovative products to the soccer market, but with the user in mind. Example of this is our latest development: the E-Marker." 

The revolution: E-Marker

This is a revolutionary lining machine for manually applying lines around soccer fields. "Among others, Luke Russell, head of groundsmen at OH Leuven, is a huge fan," says the business manager. "Recently he said in an interview about our products: 'superior paint' and 'fantastic machine'. We get very positive feedback from all levels of the market, from provincial clubs to professional soccer clubs. In the Netherlands, our E-marker has already been called the Mercedes among line marking machines."

So what's so revolutionary about this machine? "It's a modular, electric machine," Raf explains. "All the techniques are bundled into separate boxes. Think, for example, of an electronics box or a battery box. That has several advantages. On the one hand, the plug-and-play system, which eliminates the need for technicians to come to the site in case of a malfunction or breakdown. Customers simply order a new box, receive it by courier and can get back to work after the exchange. It's completely foolproof, because thanks to different colors and plugs, really anyone can replace such a box." Raf continues, "So that also saves the customer expensive travel costs for a technician. And thanks to our E-App, we can also provide remote support." 

The proof? Recently, the first machines left for the south of Spain, and more specifically to the soccer clubs of Valencia, Granada and Seville. "Even there, we monitor the machine remotely. And for 28 euros we send a replacement box by courier service. You can't send a technician for that."

Sediment-free paint

Terrain masters know: grass paints work with pigments, and they can settle. Don't forget to stir or shake, or your machine will clog up. "Fortunately, we developed a product 22 years ago that doesn't settle: our Performance paint. That is unique, because to date there is no low consumption water-based paint that even approaches our Performance line." 

How EXPO-LINE managed to counteract the sedimentation process of their paint is a secret. "We have managed to shield that process from the market for 22 years," winks the business manager. The combination of the E-Marker with the Performance paint ensures a homogeneous result, right from the first line. "Recently, a groundsman said to me after a demo, 'Wow, those lines shine quite a bit!' To get that, I have to go over the same line 2-3 times with my current product'. Our lines already reflect much harder after the first time and have a much higher whiteness," Raf says.

EX concept 

The purchase of such a lining device is an investment not available to every club or association. "We respond to that too with our EX concept, where clubs pay a monthly fee of 75 euros. Included is the machine, any replacement boxes you may need, as well as upgrades in the future. That way you save on investment costs," Raf says. "Clubs that do prefer to purchase can do so as well. For 2,500 euros you get the E-Marker, with 3 years of service included. For 1,000 euros more you get 5 years of service."