Growing under glass in summer is for most crops impossible without a coating on the greenhouse roof. The world seems to be changing, but that's one thing that doesn't change, even with borders closing and work being done with minimal staff. How is the distribution of those coatings being done now?
ReduSystems has prepared for this at an early stage. Contract companies in the Netherlands now have large stocks. Jort Gerritsen, CEO Mardenkro: "It should not be so that growers will have to face the warm days without protective coatings on the greenhouse roof. We have taken precautions to prevent that."
Dividing stocks
Normally, the production of screening products for the new season starts around November. When the word 'quarantine' first appeared in the news, Mardenkro decided to divide the stock in its own warehouses in two parts. Because what happens if you can no longer access your stock? A large part has been stored with their regular transporter. That was the first step.
The second step occurred when the coronavirus was first diagnosed in Europe. This meant that the Dutch contracting companies received their orders much earlier. Jort: "They can continue with their work. Their stock already lasts quite far into April. We don't want them to run the risk of our warehouses closing down. This way we are ahead of that situation."
Dividing stocks, also abroad
Now the third step is being taken at ReduSystems; also abroad stocks are divided further. Jort: "This is a theme that we're concerned with. We don't want growers to miss out. The delays in transport and the closing of national borders should not hinder growers in cultivation. That has to go on."
The demand for coatings does not seem to be decreasing. But the exact answer to that question is also not entirely clear. The season has only just started. Jort: "The emergence of the coronavirus comes exactly at a time when screening products are being applied. That is an annoying coincidence. Increasingly more restrictions are being imposed. We also do not know where exactly it will go. At least we do our very best to get supplies properly arranged for contracting companies, distributors and growers."
For more information:
ReduSystems
T: +31 (0)13 507 53 99
sales@redusystems.com
www.redusystems.nl