The Plant Co. adds 5 acres of greenhouse space
Intended to meet the growing demand for Proven Winners leafjoy houseplants, The Plant Co. has undergone an extensive construction project, adding 5 acres of high-tech greenhouse space to its operation. The expansion enables the houseplant grower to effectively double its annual output, allowing it to better serve customers.
The new growing space aims to position The Plant Co. for the future with the ideal infrastructure to continue expanding both the liner and finished plant sides of the business. With the increasing demand for houseplants, this new space increases labor efficiency by about 20%.
“As the Proven Winners leafjoy brand continues to grow and evolve, this new space will allow us to innovate and delight even more customers with a constant supply of premium houseplants,” said Jason vanWingerden, co-founder and CEO of The Plant Co.
Engineering and tech advances in the new space improve ergonomics and reduce labor with a fully automated internal transport system that moves containers to the correct place in the multilayer rooting chamber. The company has also invested in new automation and energy-saving technology that improves space usage by 10 to 15% and concentrates the handling of plants for more efficient sticking, sorting and shipping.
With sustainability in mind, the new technology not only reduces labor, it improves energy expenditures. A PAR Perfect shade curtain and double energy curtain reduce electric inputs, and 100% recirculation of irrigation water reduces water usage. The system also includes CO2 injection from a high-efficiency boiler system. The new boom system allows for more precise watering of liners with automated spray to keep conditions ideal for rooting. The expansion also includes two electric air handling units with heat pump technology to cool, heat and dehumidify the air.
The advanced LED system adjusts the light spectra per track, optimizing plant growth speed, quality and uniformity based on species and growth stage. And integrated IIVO climate control software monitors all processes and alerts the grower when abnormalities occur in the growth process.
The Plant Co. worked closely with the GreenV group, specifically HT Verboom and Prins USA to design an internal logistics system that improves overall operations. “This new technology serves our needs today, but also looks to the future, accounting for expansion and automation,” said Frank Paul, co-founder and COO of The Plant Co.
Photos courtesy of Proven Winners.
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