Luc van Wylick of Wymo Venlo has been in the steam business for a long time, 35 years, to be exact. The company itself goes back even further, founded by his father in 1973.
In that time, Luc has seen horticulture change dramatically. "Growing companies are bigger than ever, and with that, some of the family atmosphere has disappeared. It's become more business-like. We don't often eat at the grower's family kitchen table anymore. Now there's a canteen, fully equipped with everything you need," he says with a smile.
Today, Wymo Venlo's focus has shifted more and more towards strawberry production — especially steaming trays, containers, and pots for plant propagators and strawberry growers. "We still steam substrate and soil, but that's declining, along with the crops that go with it. Much of the ornamental sector we used to steam for has moved to 'more favorable' parts of the world, and by favorable, I mean countries with lower labor and energy costs. Don't underestimate the impact of energy taxes on Dutch horticulture. Some crops simply disappear, and honestly, I understand why."
We meet Luc at a strawberry farm, Franken Fruits in Zevenbergen, where Wymo Venlo recently steamed their strawberry containers. When we arrive, the containers are already neatly stacked on pallets, ready to go.
© Wymo Venlo
© Wymo Venlo
Luc's experience shows. In no time, an entire row of pallets is wrapped under tarps, sealed airtight, and the hoses are connected. Soon, the engines are humming and the steam is flowing. "We use a high-pressure boiler," Luc explains. "It's more effective. The hotter, drier steam means you can start the next crop as clean as possible. With our boiler, we can steam up to 1,000 pallets of trays or containers per day."
© Wymo Venlo
And after the job, the hoses are quickly rolled up
For more information:
Wymo Venlo BV
[email protected]
www.wymo.nl
