The Canadian province of Ontario is known for its vast nature, but among its green fields also lies an extraordinary piece of technology: the high-tech greenhouse of Proplant Propagation. This family business grows high-quality young vegetable plants, thanks in part to their advanced greenhouse facilities realized in cooperation with Havecon. Paul Berkel, co-owner of Proplant Propagation, explains: 'Our greenhouse is designed to create ideal conditions every day. This is how we give our customers the best possible start for their crops.'
'Havecon not only translated our ideas into a plan, they also took on the entire project management. That gave us a lot of confidence', says Paul, who runs the company with his brother.
From peppers to vegetable plants
Although Proplant has 'only' existed since 1999, the Berkel family has been active in greenhouse farming for more than fifty years. Paul and his brother Mike grew up with growing tomatoes and peppers. Eight years ago, the brothers decided to focus on growing young vegetable plants. 'We wanted to build something new, in our own way. And now we help other growers by providing them with the best young plants.'
Proplant is one of four specialty vegetable plant growers in Ontario, with more than 100,000 square metres of greenhouse space at Proplant alone. They supply growers throughout the region and are experiencing impressive growth as an organization. Paul says: 'What makes us unique? Our double view: we understand exactly what our customers are looking for in a plant and have the experience of receiving young plants ourselves in our own growing greenhouse. That helps us deliver quality as well as work in a way that makes sense.'
© Proplant Propagation Services
Cultivation is people work
Innovation plays a big role within Proplant, but according to Paul there is one thing that always remains most important: people. 'You can have the best greenhouse in the world with the latest technology, but without the right people and knowledge you won't get anywhere. We have a loyal team that grows to about 160 people in the peak season. Thanks to good cooperation with other local farmers, we even exchange employees. That ensures flexibility and commitment.'
The team was also central to the design of the latest greenhouse expansion. 'For the grafters, people who do very precise work, we developed ergonomic workstations together with specialists. The work is intensive and repetitive, so comfort and focus are crucial. Since that upgrade, everyone wants to work in that part of the greenhouse', Paul laughs.
Building consistency together
When Proplant made plans for its first major expansion in 2019, Paul and his brother immediately knew who to turn to: Havecon. 'We had known the company for years and had good contact with the sales team', says Paul. 'We had so many ideas, and they knew how to bring them all together into a plan. They guided us through the process step by step, with a project manager who really knows everything about greenhouse construction. We asked endless questions and always got a clear answer.' A second extension followed four years later, again with Havecon.
© Proplant Propagation Services
Precision is essential in growing young plants. The latest expansion, realized by Havecon, guarantees uniform conditions on every square meter of the greenhouse. Paul explains: 'By balancing temperature, humidity and light perfectly, we create an ideal growing environment. Thanks to this consistency, our plants are strong and vital from day one. We couldn't have achieved that without Havecon and without them we wouldn't know half of what we know now.'
Continued investment
The cooperation between Proplant and Havecon is built on shared values and complementary qualities. Where Proplant focuses on consistency and quality, Havecon is known for innovation, reliability and a practical approach. Paul is already looking ahead: 'We continue to invest in technology, people and knowledge. And of course we hope to expand again soon, together with Havecon.'
