Former tomato greenhouse transformed into a potted plant nursery

Added on 05 September 2024

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Former tomato greenhouse transformed into a potted plant nursery

Roy van der Knaap (KP Holland) Ben Peters (Royal Brinkman)

Royal Brinkman has successfully transformed the existing 3.5-hectare tomato greenhouse, acquired by KP Holland for expansion, into a sustainable facility. The location in De Lier, The Netherlands, has been upgraded according to the new energy standards of the Green Label Greenhouse. Through intensive collaboration, a modern and sustainable potted plant nursery has been established, equipped with advanced technical installations.

In close collaboration with KP Holland, experts from Royal Brinkman Technical Projects developed a concrete and tailored plan that ensured KP Holland's requirements were translated into technical solutions. Royal Brinkman implemented entirely new water, electrical, and climate control systems in the existing greenhouse. The result is a future-proof greenhouse that meets the highest sustainability standards.

Overcoming complex challenges

A significant challenge in this transformation was the existing greenhouse structure. Together with KP Holland, Royal Brinkman carefully considered which materials and elements could be reused. The most complex challenge was physically connecting the two locations at Kanaalweg 12 and 20. The technicians created connections under the road for heat and electrical links, protected by a concrete casing. Additionally, both greenhouses are connected to a single CHP installation (Combined Heat and Power system). This installation, efficiently supplies both greenhouses with heat and electricity, preventing surplus energy.

Long-term collaboration

KP Holland and Royal Brinkman, both family-owned businesses, have been working together for decades. Roy van der Knaap, Technical Director of KP Holland, says: “Our collaboration dates back to the 1980’s, maybe even earlier. My grandfather and father were already customers of Royal Brinkman back then.” Ben Peters, Technical Account Manager at Royal Brinkman, adds: “In the lead-up to this project, Roy and I had a lot of personal contact to brainstorm the best ideas within the possibilities of the existing greenhouse.” Roy van der Knaap confirms: “Collaboration comes first, it’s in our core values within KP Holland, but also within Royal Brinkman.”

This greenhouse transformation highlights the strong, long-standing collaboration between KP Holland and Royal Brinkman. It marks another new chapter in their shared commitment to innovation and sustainability in the horticultural sector.

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