On Wednesday 13 June, the first pile of Nieuwkoop Europe's new construction project was driven in. The company, which both imports, cultivates and trades in hydroponics, pot plants and planters, is going to expand its floor area by approximately 25,000m2, adjacent to the current location of 75,000m2 in De Kwakel, The Netherlands. "This not only increases the company's production capacity, but also creates room for operational and logistical optimization," says Danny Gerritsen, General Manager of Nieuwkoop Europe.
Growing demand for plants
In recent years, increasing more attention is given to green spaces in residential, working and living environments. Especially the positive effects of plants on our health, working climate and our well-being are a common topic in professional journals, national media and home magazines. As a result, the demand for plants has increased considerably.
Smarter and more efficient production
By concentrating import, production and trading activities at one location, the company can benefit optimally from its economics of scale. An important part of the new building project is therefore the revision of the internal logistics operation, whereby the production and trade functions will be better aligned and the logistic lines will become as short as possible. The new building is scheduled to be completed in May 2019.
Young people are the future
The three children of Henk Nieuwkoop, General Director and director major shareholder of the company, have driven in the first pile. Henk Nieuwkoop: "It is important that we make young people enthusiastic for a future in the floricultural sector. The sector offers colorful opportunities for a new generation." Anyway, son Bruno (14 years) cannot wait to take over his father's position.