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A few years ago, KP Holland was looking to expand their cultivation of curcuma and kalanchoe. They found this expansion opportunity nearby, purchasing a greenhouse from their neighbors at Kanaalweg 12 in De Lier. This 3.5-hectare greenhouse was a perfect fit in terms of size. The challenge was converting an old tomato greenhouse into a modern potted plant business. We spoke with Technical Director Roy van der Knaap about the transformation for curcuma and kalanchoe cultivation.

Roy: "We were able to acquire the neighboring greenhouse, which brought its own set of challenges. We needed to completely redesign the greenhouse to suit our crops. During the initial phase, we critically evaluated and consulted various suppliers. Royal Brinkman had several good ideas. They collaborated on integrating our requirements within the constraints of the existing greenhouse. This resulted in an intensive collaboration."

KP Holland is a global player specializing in the breeding, propagation, and production of unique plant varieties. It is truly a family business, with Roy van der Knaap now leading the third generation, along with his two cousins. Roy, as Technical Director, is responsible for technology, ICT, and energy management. Roy: "We are working towards a sustainable future, consciously considering our footprint. Our goal is to reduce CO2 emissions to zero by 2040. The new location is fully equipped to cultivate sustainably according to the energy standards from Green Label Greenhouse."

Roy van der Knaap: "During the preparatory phase of the renovation project, we consulted various suppliers. Royal Brinkman came up with several good ideas themselves. They assisted us in achieving our goals within the constraints of the existing greenhouse. They had suggestions for reusing materials and modernizing with new installations."

"Ben Peters and I had many discussions during the preliminary phase, brainstorming on how to make the best use of space and materials. Once we had everything coordinated, Aad van der Sman took charge of the project. He ensured that everything operated as desired. I am very satisfied with the collaboration and the personalized approach."

We established multiple connections between this greenhouse and the other KP Holland locations, including heat and electricity links running beneath the road. This interconnects Kanaalweg 20 and Kanaalweg 12. To ensure the safety and durability of these connections, we installed a concrete conduit under the road to protect the cables.

No surplus of heat and energy
We also connected both locations to a single CHP (Combined Heat and Power) system. This CHP system provides enough heat and electricity for these two greenhouses. By making this connection, KP Holland avoids any surplus of heat and energy.

Priva process computer
To integrate the climate control systems of the greenhouses, we installed a new Priva process computer at this location. All locations now use the same systems, allowing KP Holland to centrally manage the climate.

We have adapted the greenhouse for potted plant cultivation by installing two water systems. One system is for the production greenhouse, used for growing curcuma and kalanchoe, and the other is for the separate section of the greenhouse where the mother plants are located. Both water systems are closed systems, preventing any water loss.

Ebb and flow system
In the production greenhouse, we installed a ebb and flow system. This water system can deliver up to 210 cubic meters of water per hour to the floors. The system collects all return water, stores it in return tanks, and reuses it in the ebb and flow unit.

Drip system
The drip system was set up for the elite section with the mother plants. This system is completely separate from the other installation and has its own mixing tank unit and nutrient tanks.

The challenge in a complete renovation is dealing with an existing greenhouse. Everything has to be adapted to fit. With a focus on sustainability, the challenge was to decide which elements we could reuse.

The biggest challenge was establishing the connection between the greenhouses at Kanaalweg 12 and Kanaalweg 20. To address this, we installed a concrete conduit beneath the road, which houses the necessary pipes and cables. This setup ensures a safe and reliable connection between the two locations.

Sven Heijs is Technical Manager at KP Holland. For maintenance at the various locations, KP Holland uses the Service Engine Tool. This maintenance system helps Sven manage all tasks. Sven: 'With the Service Engine, we collect all information in one tool. This allows us to keep our overall maintenance visible and centrally manage the scheduling. Tasks are directly assigned to the appropriate person internally. Recently, we also started using the new feature: reporting faults and maintenance directly to Royal Brinkman via the Service Engine. This way, we work efficiently and in a structured manner.'

KP Holland and Royal Brinkman have been working together for decades. Roy van der Knaap: 'The collaboration with Royal Brinkman dates back to the 1980s or 1990s, possibly even earlier. Back then, my father and grandfather were already customers of Royal Brinkman.'

Roy van der Knaap confirms: 'Collaboration comes first. It’s a core value at KP Holland, as well as at Royal Brinkman. We have completed a great project together. It’s a wonderful position to continue working together in the years to come.'