April 19, 2011, Pijnacker, the Netherlands – Following years of joint
co-operation in research and development, market leader Village Farms
International and HortiMaX B.V., headquartered in the Netherlands, have
entered into a multi-year strategic partnership agreement to automate the
current and future production process at Village Farms.
Both parties will work together exclusively in the areas of advanced climate control, water management and production management integrated through a business intelligence platform.
A key element of the agreement is the development of GATES (Greenhouse Advanced Technology Expert System). HortiMaX, Village Farms and Verbakel Bomkas also headquartered in the Netherlands introduced this innovative concept by building a cutting edge multi-million dollar research glasshouse in Texas.
 The GATES concept has been refined over the past few years, setting a number of production world records in the process. Now that the technology has proved its worth, the time is ripe for the next step.
Mike DeGligio, CEO of Village Farms, had the following to say about this: “We are delighted in our joint accomplishments and consistent record of performance of these advanced technologies as we are in our strong working relationships and drive to succeed with further commercialization of these technologies and processes. It is not just technology, however, that is central to this agreement. In order for a strategic partnership to work, it must be beneficial to both parties and encourage continuous dialogue based on mutual trust and respect.”
According to Hans Roosken, CEO of HortiMaX, it was mainly thanks to the frequent discussions between the parties that this agreement was concluded. “We are delighted that Village Farms has put its trust in HortiMaX and eagerly look forward to implementing our intelligent and user-friendly solutions.”
ABOUT THE COMPANIES
Village Farms is one of the largest producers, marketers and distributors of premium-quality, greenhouse-grown tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers in North America. This premium product as well as premium product produced under exclusive arrangements with other greenhouse producers is grown in sophisticated, highly efficient and intensive agricultural greenhouse facilities located in British Columbia and Texas.
Product is marketed and distributed under the Village Farms® brand primarily to retail grocers and dedicated fresh food distributors throughout the United States and Canada. Village Farms currently operates distribution centres located in key markets in the United States and Canada. Since its inception, Village Farms has been guided by sustainable agricultural principles that integrate four main goals: environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equality.
HortiMaX is a leading process automation company for the professional greenhouse market. With over 50 years of experience, it offers customers more than a better profit with smart and user-friendly control solutions. Basic and high-tech solutions for Climate and Energy, Water and Nutrition, and Labour and Productivity integrated through its Operation and Analysis platforms provide the flexibility to suit virtually any application anywhere around the world.
HortiMaX is proud on its innovations and quality and is ISO9000 and HortiQ certified.
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