One company, two sites

The cultivation of Phalaenopsis has evolved considerably in recent years. There has been a rapid stream of innovations, particularly in terms of technical equipment. Ammerlaan Orchideeën has led and continues to lead the field in the use of innovative equipment and advanced systems. As a result, the climatic conditions can be optimised for Phalaenopis during both cultivation and preparation for sale. Those ideal conditions form the basis for a top quality product. Investing in modern technology and techniques also gives enhanced efficiency. The saving on labour costs results in a reduced cost price. Ammerlaan Orchideeën has two sites: in De Lier (cultivation) and in Schipluiden (preparation for sale).

De Lier: Ammerlaan Orchideeën’s base

The site in De Lier covers 14,000 m2. The site is completely set up for the efficient potting and delivery of cuttings. The preparation for sale phase is reached after twenty weeks. The plants are then moved to the site in Schipluiden. Ammerlaan Orchideeën has its own transport system for shipping between the sites: a shipping frame which can carry six roll cages at a time. This shipping frame then fits into a specially adapted truck. The system works efficiently and saves a lot of labour.

Schipluiden: new-build for a blooming future

In autumn 2007 Ammerlaan Orchideeën opened the newly built site for the preparation of pot orchids for sale in 12 cm pots. The site covers 25,000 m2 and is equipped with the latest technology, systems and equipment. The twenty week old plants from De Lier are spaced out immediately after shipping. A pot orchid with more space can grow into a high quality plant. During this phase the plants are also sorted by size. This way of working not only helps cut down on labour needs, but also helps ensure uniform growth.

During the cultivation phase the plants develop into an optimum end-product. The site in Schipluiden has an advanced delivery system for sorting, collecting and preparing the orders for shipping. This new system allows Ammerlaan Orchideeën to gain various benefits: reduced labour needs, quality enhancement and reducing the response time for orders. The working conditions on the site are optimum. The necessary ‘staking’ of the plants is now also a labour-friendly process. Cameras sort staked plants which are ready for delivery by the number of branches, buds and flowers, the colour and the length of the flower-bearing stems. The use of the cup and vase system means that plants need to be picked up less often. This minimises the risk of any damage.