Expansion in Holland! On the site of aubergine growers Gebr. van Duijn in Terneuzen, the last phase is currently being set out. The business is expanding by 2.6 hectares. That means that the available area of the aubergine grower will be filled.
The growers were the first to establish themselves in the glasshouse area in Terneuzen in 2009. Then, 10 hectares of land were bought and part of it was filled with 5.2 hectares of glass. In 2012, the business grew by a further 2.6 hectares and the last phase was actually planned for 2014. "The first expansion was completed faster than expected. The second phase has been delayed by a year," says Jenny Crone of WarmCO2, the glasshouse area in Terneuzen. "Now the whole plot is being filled." The facilities were already prepared for this expansion from 2009. "Only the glasshouse still needs to be built."
Residual heat
In Terneuzen, they grow with the residual heat and CO2 from the fertilizer factory, Yara. The area had a successful start, but the building of glasshouses has stagnated in recent years. Last year, there was boost and the Smidsschorrepolder was sold out. Only in the Autrichepolder is there still space available - 26 hectares, on which a glasshouse of approximately 20 hectares can be built. "We are in talks, but if it comes to anything is impossible to say," says Crone. "There are so many factors involved. Often, it depends on financing. Not only must the business be profitable, but the bank needs to be willing to work with them."