Replacement and new growing system for Thanet Earth

"When it comes to crop choice, we have responded to market demand with each expansion," Ad van den Bosch explains. He moved to the UK in 2008 to help start up the first tomato greenhouse. "The plan was to return to the Netherlands afterwards, but with each growth step there were always enough challenges here."

From channel gutter to plateau gutter

In the most recent expansion of 6.0 hectares, the first tomato crop is now in full harvest. Here Meteor Systems supplied 38 kilometres of growing gutters with drain water collection, plus the suspension system, turn around brackets, stem supports and irrigation brackets. "In the first greenhouses we installed channel gutters, but these days we choose the GM-07 plateau gutter, which is easier to clean. Virus prevention is a top priority for us, so at every crop change we clean very thoroughly. That is also why we choose the MS-150 coating, so the gutters can withstand it."

Lettuce on water

Recently Thanet Earth also started growing lettuce on water. An existing greenhouse of 1.3 hectares was converted for this, with hydroponic floating rafts from Meteor Systems. "We want to gain experience growing lettuce varieties on water. It fits our vision of local indoor cultivation here in the United Kingdom and it strengthens our portfolio towards the supermarkets."

Renewing the growing system quickly

Alongside the new build, the growing system was renewed in one of the first greenhouses. "Getting seventeen years out of your growing gutters, I think that is a very good service life. And when it is time for replacement, Meteor Systems arranges the whole process, including removing the old gutters. That all went very smoothly so we could plant again quickly."

Quick to act on custom work

"I already worked with Peter Lexmond from Meteor Systems back in the Netherlands," Ad continues. "If something comes up or does not go well, I know it will simply be sorted out. That is no longer a given these days."

Besides the service, Ad values above all the ability to deliver custom work fast. "We always have specific wishes around the growing system, think for example of an adjustment to the suspension brackets. I discuss that with Peter, they think along to refine our idea, it gets drawn up, and within a few days it is delivered here from their own factory. That speed on custom work is really valuable to me.”