Rebuilding of collapsed Dutch 10-hectare greenhouse started

Havecon has started rebuilding the Agro Care greenhouse that collapsed on June 27, 2025, in Middenmeer. The affected area covered nearly 10 hectares, part of the tomato producer's total 500 hectares of greenhouses. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, but the material damage was significant and widely reported by national media.

The collapse occurred during renovation work carried out by Agro Care itself. While installing a second energy screen, too many cross braces were removed, causing the structure to lose balance. This compromised its stability, allowing even a minor gust of wind to bring down the greenhouse.

"Building greenhouses is our business, but having to rebuild one that suddenly collapses is something I've rarely experienced. The devastation was unprecedented and of a scale never seen before in the Netherlands," says Henk Verbakel, CEO of Havecon. "That Friday afternoon, we received the call with the news. It was an unbelievable moment, and immediately afterward we went to Middenmeer to assess the damage and make the connected greenhouses safe and accessible."

Reconstruction in full swing
Immediately after the collapse, Havecon began assessing the damage. Where possible, foundations and piling work were reused; the rest is being replaced. Reconstruction of the greenhouse is now well underway.

"We handle everything involving steel, aluminum, and glass. After that, the process continues with climate, screening, water, and electrical installations, in which other companies from our parent group Atrium Agri are also involved. The goal is to have the greenhouse operational again by spring 2026 so tomato cultivation can resume," Verbakel adds.

© Havecon Kassenbouw BV

Reconstruction in full swing
Immediately after the collapse, Havecon began assessing the damage. Where possible, foundations and piling work were reused; the rest is being replaced. Reconstruction of the greenhouse is now well underway.

"We handle everything involving steel, aluminum, and glass. After that, the process continues with climate, screening, water, and electrical installations, in which other companies from our parent group Atrium Agri are also involved. The goal is to have the greenhouse operational again by spring 2026 so tomato cultivation can resume," Verbakel adds.

© Havecon Kassenbouw BV

The rebuilt facility will feature the latest technologies in the horticultural sector, including diffuse glass with double AR coating for maximum light and higher yields; Dual screening systems for optimal climate control; LED lighting for year-round production; and Integrated insect netting, unique to Agro Care, keeping harmful insects out while allowing beneficial ones in.