The first talks between Kubo and Kagome, a large Japanese tomato producer, were held in 2013. Kagome had an ambitious plan for the realisation of a high-tech 2-hectare greenhouse using Ultra-Clima technology in Akeno-cho, Yamanashi Prefecture.
The Agrimind company ultimately became the client and Kagome is exclusive buyer as well as closely involved in the cultivation.
The decision to use KUBO’s system was made early on, but the outsourcing took place via a tender in which a Japanese greenhouse builder had to be the main contractor. After several meetings and selection rounds, in which KUBO was closely involved, well-known Japanese greenhouse builder Daisen Co. ultimately landed the contract to carry out this prestigious project with KUBO as subcontractor.
The greenhouse had to satisfy strict Japanese requirements for earthquake resistance, which meant a great deal of attention not only to the construction but also to the foundation.
A start was made on the foundation in June 2014. Because of the condition of the soil and the Japanese requirements, the foundation was a difficult and time-consuming task. The construction of the greenhouse was able to start at the beginning of September, and planting could take place at the end of December.
This was the first time that KUBO had ever worked so closely with a Japanese greenhouse builder. Despite the cultural differences and intersecting activities, the collaboration went extraordinarily well.
The Dutch construction teams and KUBO supervisors were able to work very well with the supervisors appointed by Daisen Co. The lines of communication between Daisen Co.’s English-speaking employee and the KUBO Project Manager were well coordinated in advance and thanks to mutual understanding and flexibility we can look back on an excellent collaboration, with the project completed on schedule. The most pioneering greenhouse project in Japan was delivered to the satisfied client.
KUBO hopes to be able to carry out more projects like this in Japan in the near future.
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