The new greenhouse complex of seed cultivation company Monsanto Vegetable Seeds in Bergschenhoek in the Netherlands, is fitted with Indal luminaires. With advice from Patron Agri Systems Group in De Lier, Monsanto chose Optipar. Patron is responsible for all climate, electrical and water-related issues in the project soon to be handed over.
Monsanto Vegetable Seeds has a subsidiary in Bergschenhoek, since it took over De Ruiter Seeds in 2008. The vegetable seed division focuses on innovations for improving the quality and output of vegetables. The company develops products that offer consumers new, healthy and delicious choices with unique nutritional values.
The Bergschenhoeklocation specialises in cultivation, production and sales of vegetable seeds such as tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, sweet peppers and melons. It is one of the absolute top cultivation companies worldwide. The expansion will further reinforce this position. The project contains 3.3 hectares divided into several cultivation and production departments.
Patron Agri Systems
For both Indal and Patron Agri Systems it is a prestigious project. Patron supplied and installed the computers, the electrical systems, water and lighting installations etc. for the new Monsanto greenhouses.
Patron Agri Systems Group was created in 2008 in the merger between Enthoven Elektra in De Lier, Elektro Limburg in Maasbree and Hoogendoorn Projects (formerly a division of Hoogendoorn Growth Management in Vlaardingen). ICT company AEM in Maasbree also joined the group in 2009. Bundling the expertise and experience of these installation companies created a complete provider with a leading position in horticulture, both in the Netherlands and abroad.
Monsanto uses strict safety requirements, which the installers had to meet, who worked at the new construction. The requirements are comparable to those in the petrochemical industry. For example the installers had to wear gloves, helmet, safety jacket and safety goggles while installing the lighting. The Optipar’s were installed from hydraulic platforms. Everything had been put down in writing and compliance was verified..”
Lighting plan
The lighting plan for the greenhouses was prepared by DLV Plant. The tender was based on this plan. Various luminaires of various brands were discussed. Indal’s Optiparoutstand as far as quality, simplicity of installation and maintenance were concerned. This is why Monsanto chose the Optipar. The service commitments also satisfied the customer’s requirements.
Patron Agri Systems and Indal drew up a tailor made lighting plan at a later stage as this became necessary after the height of the cultivation was changed in a number of places.
Minimum failure
The lighting requirements for seed cultivation exceed those by flower and vegetable growers. The essence in those sectors is optimal production, which determines the margin. Seed cultivation has much stricter requirements and the interests are higher since the products are more expensive. Thus an important factor in opting for Indal was the minimum failure rate and the guarantees for this. Once the luminaires are installed and the product is growing underneath, it is best if you no longer need to access them. You can still do so, but it is inconvenient, due in part to the strict safety standards.
To protect the plants, you also want to prevent as little replacement and maintenance as possible.In total 926 luminaires were installed last summer.
