Van der Valk recently invested in a second tailoring machine for their ValkScreenVision system, which is a universal screen insertion system, to meet the increased demand. The machine attaches guide strips to the screen cloth, which ensures a rapid and easy installation. The new machine is an improved version of the original one, enabling production to become more efficient as well. 
Jack Vijverberg, in front of the new and improved tailoring machine
Safety
About 9 years ago, Van der Valk introduced their universal screen securing system. It is suitable for every type of screen cloth and saves time when inserting or replacing screen cloths, explains Jack Vijverberg, Sales Office Manager at Van der Valk Horti Systems. “The screen cloth is inserted directly into the profile, meaning that there is no need to use clips. Therefore, the process is much easier and hardly any work is required among the crop nor at great heights.” On top of that, it is a very safe way to insert a new screen cloth. “As greenhouse roofs continue to get higher, it has been an important aspect in the development of this screen system.” Particularly in the US and Canada, we have seen that this safety factor has been an important reason to invest in this system.
The machine
So, how does the new machine work? “The new machine works similar to the original one, but is more efficient”, he says. It stitches a plastic strip onto every type of screen cloth. Then, when the pre-installed length is reached, it is cut and finished semi-manually. Then, it is rolled up and ready to go to the greenhouse, where the greenhouse builders or screen installers will install the screens. During insertion, these strips slide through the associated chambers in the aluminum screen profiles and truss profiles without the screen cloth having to enter the chamber. This extends the life of the screen fabric.
The original machine at work
The strip (black) being stitched onto the screen
The finishing touches before the screen cloth is ready to be sealed and shipped to its final destination
Screens ready to be shipped
Watch the video below to see how the screen is being installed at the grower.
Increased demand
The investment in this new and improved machine is the result of an increased demand for ValkScreenVision, their universal screen insertion system, explains Vijverberg. Over the years, he has seen the demand increasing sharply. “Screens are built to last many years, but changing the screen material every now and then is inevitable. And when replacing the screen, it is important that it is carried out in the quickest, safest and most cheapest way.” And in some countries, a law is forcing growers to switch or add screens. In Canada, for example, they are seeing a more significant need for the use of light abatement screens due to the Greenhouse Light Amendment Bylaw that was passed recently to control greenhouse light pollution. This switching or adding screens becomes a lot easier with a ValkScreenVision screen system.
For more information:
Van der Valk Horti Systems
T: +31 (0) 174 21 22 23
Email: jvijverberg@valkhortisystems.nl
www.valkhortisystems.nl