As Mountain High Greenhouse Construction celebrates its 30th anniversary, the company reflects on three decades of transformation in the CEA sector, and on the mindset that has carried it through changing markets, technologies, and scales of operation.
"Mountain High was founded in 1995 by my father, Gill van der Drift," says Mitchell van der Drift, now owner and second-generation leader of the company. "At the time, competition was increasing and opportunities were shrinking in Europe. He looked to the U.S., shipped his machines across the Atlantic, and started a company there. With his technical knowledge and entrepreneurial mindset, he saw a future in North America where there was a growing demand for experienced, specialized greenhouse construction crews. That's how it all started."
© Mountain High
One of the first machines used by Mitchell's father (Gill van der Drift) during his early building days in the Netherlands
From modest beginnings to multinational operations
What began with a small Dutch crew and a few machines has since grown into a North American construction force capable of handling multiple large-scale projects simultaneously. "I'm proud to be part of the second generation continuing what my father started," he says. "We've expanded our reach, capacity, and reputation, and now have the scale and structure to build very large projects across multiple states or even countries."
In the past 30 years, Mountain High has built in 30 states and provinces, completing over 1,250 acres of greenhouses at more than 200 project locations. Among the company's current projects are a 42-acre greenhouse for KUBO in Delta, British Columbia, and a 22-acre facility in Tennessee for VB. These projects represent the growing sophistication of modern greenhouse design, and the company's ability to deliver at scale.
"For many years, our focus was almost entirely on the U.S.," he notes. "But when greenhouse sales slowed due to import tariffs under the current administration, we diversified and opened a new entity in Canada. Our goal is to make our services permanently available there."
© Mountain High
What construction looks like nowadays
A changing industry
Since 1995, greenhouse construction has evolved from small, grower-led builds to highly integrated commercial systems. "The changes have been major. In the early days, projects were smaller, lower, and simpler, often built directly for individual growers. Today, we're building complex, automated CEA facilities for large, investor-backed companies and operators."
This evolution has also made construction more demanding. "Greenhouses become more automated and customized every year, which makes the work more complex and labor-intensive. Every new project requires us to stay sharp, adapt quickly, and commit more experienced man-hours to get it right."
Challenges and core strengths
Modern greenhouse construction faces both technical and economic challenges. Import tariffs have raised material costs and slowed development in some regions, while compressed schedules have become the new norm. "The construction itself is becoming more complex, and timelines tighter. But that's where our strength lies. We've built the teams, systems, and equipment to keep up with those demands."
Mountain High's success, he adds, comes down to one guiding principle passed down from his father: do whatever it takes. "That saying — 'whatever it takes' — was known by everyone in the industry," he recalls. "It's about keeping the client's schedule on track without compromising quality. That mindset has earned us long-term trust."
The company's flexibility remains another hallmark. "We've built a reputation for being organized, reliable, and ready to mobilize crews and equipment across multiple regions and seasons," he says.
Mitchell is optimistic about the role of greenhouses in sustainable food production. "The future looks promising," he says. "Greenhouses keep getting better and more efficient, delivering stronger returns over time. Meanwhile, outdoor growing is becoming increasingly difficult due to climate and regulation, which means CEA will only keep growing."
Marking 30 years on the jobsite
Despite the milestone, the company isn't stepping back to celebrate. "Right now, we're actively working on two large-scale projects, and two more will break ground this year. So it's business as usual."
Still, the anniversary is marked by the launch of a new company website, designed to showcase its capabilities and recent projects. "It reflects who we are today and where we're heading," he adds.
After three decades, Mountain High's message to its clients and partners remains simple. "Thank you," Mitchell says. "We're proud to have played a part in your growth, and we're here for the next phase of your greenhouse journey, wherever it may lead."
For more information:
Mountain High Greenhouse Construction
Mitchell van der Drift, Owner
[email protected]
mountain-high.com
