In order to increase productivity and improve efficiency, Lovania Nurseries - one of the largest bedding plant nurseries of the UK - decided to install two lines by TTA for transplanting of pack bedding, their biggest line, which is constantly growing in demand. And just before the busy season started, the equipment was installed in January 2019. So far, Lovania's Paul Rossington is very pleased with the results, as it hasn't just enabled them to achieve the initial aims, it also reduced costs.
Video of the Transplanting lines in action at Lovania Nurseries
Increasing demand for pack bedding
Lovania Nurseries is a family-run business that grows over 65 million plants a year on 42 acres spread over 12 sites in Lancashire. Over the years, the demand for pack bedding increased significantly, which made them decide to undertake steps. "Before the installation of the TTA lines, we transplanted on another site, using existing machines. "It was successful at the time, but due to large volume increases year on year it wasn't suitable in the long term."
Why TTA?
For Lovania, it is the first time they are working with TTA. "We invited various companies to quote to supply and install machines. We felt TTA offered the most relevant and best value for money equipment, after sales services - which was also very important - and other growers recommended TTA", says Rossington.
The transplanting lines
So, TTA delivered the machines at the beginning of this year which process the new PET packs and facilitate the entire transplanting process:
- Destacking PET packs
- Fill with substrate
- Transplant from young plant trays into packs
- Automatic application of carrying handles
- Ability for manual correction
- Discharge to the greenhouse
Advantages
For several months now, the machines have been operational on a 6-acre site that is completely dedicated to pack bedding production, which is a big advantage in terms of efficiency. "Packs are transplanted, grown and dispatched from one site now, which makes the entire process much more efficient."
In terms of improving production, the number of packs transplanted per hour has increased - the two lines combined have a capacity of 80,000 plants per hour.
An additional advantage is the decrease in number of staff required. "It reduces the production costs."
In-house developed plantgrippers present at Cultivate
At the show, in Ohio from July 13-16, TTA will inform about TTA's transplanting, selection and grapping solutions for pot plants, bedding plants, forestry, vegetables, soft fruits and herbs. They also will showl growers all about their in-house developed plantgrippers and imaging systems.
Steven Biles, Bram Verschoor and the rest of the TTA-team, below at IPM Essen this year, will be at booth 0447. Want to make an arrangement? Send an e-mail to steve@tta-usa.com
For more information:
TTA BV
Email: info@tta.eu
www.tta.eu
Lovania Nurseries Ltd 
Paul Rossington, Head of Retail Production
E-mail: Paul.Rossington@lovania.co.uk
www.lovania.co.uk