In the late 60’s four men were assigned to solve a difficult problem. They were in their mid-twenties. All highly qualified Engineers and with a common interest, they became close friends. They kept in touch only occasionally as distance was a problem. One Australian – Precision Engineer, one Englishman – fine Production Engineer, one German – Percussion Engineer and an American – Laser CAD engineer.

At 2.00am in February in 2014 the Australian decided to design a Croquet mallet using the latest Laser CAD technology, the latest Alloys, a design that eliminated peripheral weighting and that used the impact shock of contact with the ball for the benefit of the croquet player - to produce a bullet proof mallet with great power and three different weights.

A week later the design was sent electronically to Hans. The design was perfected and sent to Richard who optimized the design for production. Richard’s solution was sent to Tex who made some alterations then wrote the program for the latest quarter of a million dollar Laser CAD machines in Australia.

An American Orthopedic specialist designed the Oval handle which became 95% of the mallets sales. Special handle foams and coverings were sourced from Taiwan to produce handles for Arthritis and back pain sufferers.

In 2017 a Croquet playing Chemical engineer in Australia formulated Zelatron. A slightly softer material that ‘grips’ the ball better than any other product previously used. The Striking Faces don’t become smooth with use, rather Zelatron retains a 1600 grit surface for life assisting in the execution of rolls and passing rolls and rushes in AC, and jumps and distance shots in GC.

COLES-ROICE PFC Mallet sales have increased to in excess of 1,050 a year around the world and are on the increase.

All retired now, the four men meet in one of the three northern hemisphere countries every two years. Our wives are the greatest of friends.