Rijk Zwaan opens second seed processing facility

The new facility is located at Rijk Zwaan’s headquarters in De Lier, the Netherlands. Besides enabling the company to expand its seed processing, packaging and logistics activities, the new building also includes office areas and a multifunctional meeting space.

Seed processing and packaging

To ensure they meet the highest standards of quality, the seeds produced by Rijk Zwaan worldwide are processed and packaged in De Lier before going to customers across the globe. Hubertien Doldersum, Manager Operations, explains: “We work with a very wide range of equipment and processing techniques. This is necessary to process and package the 30 crops and 1,800 varieties in our assortment in such a way that we comply with all laws and regulations, and meet the high quality expectations of our customers.” 

Advanced sorting techniques involving visual inspection cameras ensure that only the best seeds are selected for packaging. 

Growing demand for high-quality vegetable seeds 

The global demand for high-quality fruit and vegetable seeds is rising. By increasing Rijk Zwaan’s capacity for seed cleaning, processing, storage and packaging, the new Seed Connect Centre enables the company to keep pace with this trend. The existing facility at the headquarters in De Lier will remain in use.

For the local community: public footpath, new trees and improved drainage

The building plans for the Seed Connect Centre took account of feedback from the local community: immediate neighbours, De Lier Heritage Working Group, Nature Association Central Delfland, and the Delfland Water Board.

In consultation with the De Lier Heritage Working Group, a public footpath featuring historical elements was created on the Rijk Zwaan site to replace the former footpath. To compensate for cutting down a number of pollard willows, new trees have been planted. Additionally, the existing watercourse was widened from 1.5 to 12 metres, which has significantly improved water drainage from De Lier.

The public footpath, part of the green plan, was opened in the presence of the historical working group and the nature association.

Mayor Bouke Arends: “It’s wonderful news that the ‘Perdiksepad’ will be preserved in a new form. This historic path, which has served as an important connection for centuries, will remain a place where people can walk and enjoy the surroundings. Thanks to the efforts of Rijk Zwaan and the local community, a piece of history will stay alive in a renewed setting.”

Connecting visitors

Every year, Rijk Zwaan welcomes around a thousand groups of visitors – business partners, students and government representatives – from all over the world. The name ‘Seed Connect Centre’ was chosen for a reason. A physical space has been created in the building where colleagues and visitors can meet and connect with each other. This area also features an interactive tour that visually brings Rijk Zwaan’s story – from research to sales – to life for visitors.

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