There are many greenhouse being built around the world, but the project of Geert Leffers is one that keeps us amazed. Leffers is building the greenhouse project of 5 hectare, with plans to grow to 60 hectare, all by himself with the help of locals. In most cases, greenhouse builders are using experienced supervisors or staff, but in this case Leffers works with a team of strictly locals. He is not being stopped by language barriers and frequent financial disruptions.
Geert Leffers in China
In June this year we published the first article about Geert Leffers, a Dutchman that is helping a group of Chinese investors to erect 60 hectares of Venlo greenhouses in Daxing. Now, three months later, Geert is letting us know that the first five hectare if glazed. "It took three months with a crew of 40 workers to put the glass on the roof".
The 5 hectare greenhouse in Daxing is the first section of a larger, 60 hectare project. It is a long project that requires many guidance and efforts of Leffers. "It still takes many time and sometimes it can be very demotivating", Leffers said. "This only the first stage and we are now already more then a year behind schedule." he laughs. "
The greenhouse structures are being delivered to Leffers via an English businessman in China.
Besides the glazing of the five hectare greenhouse, the constructions of the auxiliary premises as the water technical area and fertilization room are also completed. As well as this, Leffers private housing near the greenhouse is also finished. In a few weeks he is planning to move in there.
The groundwork foundation of the buffer tank
Besides the construction of the greenhouse and surrounding buildings, Leffers is also already building the water storage buffer tank. "The 2500 m3 buffer tank has a diameter of 16.5 meters and is 12 meters high.
Construction of the gate to the greenhouse premises
After many financial backlashes, Leffers hopes to complete the greenhouse in early 2015. "Besides the financial disruptions, everything is going well. We hope to have the first tomato plants in the greenhouse in March. In the meanwhile two 40ft containers are underway with all of the heating equipment, and other materials. Hopefully these will arrive soon so we can continue all of the work."
You can wish Geert Leffer success by sending him an e-mail: [email protected]