Last Chance To RSVP: GrowSpan's Grand Opening For New Venlo Glass Greenhouse Happening Next Week

With the event fast approaching, time is running out for guests to secure their spot and get an exclusive first look at this state-of-the-art growing structure. In addition to a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:00 p.m. CST, attendees will enjoy guided tours of the Venlo, food, beverages and be able to purchase fresh produce grown on-site.

For more information or to RSVP, please visit: https://www.growspan.com/about-us/events/venlo-grand-opening/

"We couldn't be more excited for this event, and seeing such a strong response from attendees confirms just how much interest there is in the GrowSpan Venlo Greenhouse," said Will Hopkins, Business Development Manager for GrowSpan. "For many, this is a rare opportunity to get an up-close look at one of the most advanced greenhouse structures available today. Whether you're a commercial grower looking for ways to optimize your operation, or just passionate about innovative growing solutions, this event offers valuable insights you won't find anywhere else."

By hosting this landmark event, GrowSpan aims to highlight the importance of Venlo-style greenhouses to the future of controlled environment agriculture. These structures represent a major step forward for commercial greenhouse cultivation, enabling growers to efficiently produce high-quality crops on the largest scale, regardless of location.

GrowSpan's Venlo structures are engineered using CASTA design software, which ensures each greenhouse provides the utmost structural integrity, without excessive material use. Unlike traditional greenhouse engineering methods, CASTA optimizes material distribution, helping to reduce overall steel costs within a project.

CASTA's advanced modeling capabilities also account for various design alternatives and their effects on the growing environment, like light transmission and internal climate control. As a result, GrowSpan is able to deliver an exceptional greenhouse that not only meets the highest standards for durability and scalability, but also allows operations to establish ideal growing conditions year-round.

"Compared to a traditional greenhouse, the Venlo gives us access to the highest degree of natural sunlight, climate control and overall durability," said Jena Jepson, Head Grower for GrowSpan. "These greenhouses are built to withstand harsh weather conditions over time, and with around 90% light transmission and greater uniformity throughout the environment, we're able to create a seamless growing space that's efficient, productive and easy to manage."

As a whole, GrowSpan's new facility spans nearly one acre in size. The greenhouse itself is constructed from galvanized steel framing and is clad with 4 mm glass on all sides. It comes equipped with all the latest climate control technology, including vertical sliding windows, motorized climate screens, hydronic heating and much more, helping to facilitate year-round, energy-efficient crop production.

The facility boasts approximately 25,000 square feet of dedicated growing space, which is divided into three distinct growing zones by partition walls. In the first zone, lettuce is produced in a deep water cultivation system with above-ground ponds and polystyrene rafts. The second and third zones feature suspended gutter cultivation systems, incorporating drip irrigation with leachate collection to yield tomato and strawberry plants.

An attached headhouse adds over 10,000 square feet of supplemental production space to the Venlo. Designed with two levels, its lower floor houses rooms for harvesting and processing, mechanical equipment and storage, while its upper floor contains an office, conference room and viewing platform to offer a panoramic look into the greenhouse's three unique growing zones.

"We wanted to create a lot of viewing opportunities of the crops and equipment, without compromising the biosecurity of the plants," said Jepson. "When conceptualizing the overall layout of the growing area and headhouse, the main considerations were what do the plants need, how can we make it accessible for viewing and what are the labor requirements? Thinking of the day-to-day operation, as well as how to best showcase the structure, helped us land on an efficient, functional layout."

GrowSpan's Venlo project is more than just a physical representation of their status as an industry leader; the company also intends to use their new facility to make a positive impact on surrounding communities. The massive facility will enable GrowSpan to supply an abundance of fresh produce throughout Eastern Iowa, host future tours for mid to large-scale growers and offer educational opportunities to local schools and universities.

Growers, industry professionals and the public are invited to attend the grand opening event to explore the new greenhouse, meet GrowSpan's experts and learn more about the latest advancements in controlled environment agriculture.

For more information or to RSVP, please visit: https://www.growspan.com/about-us/events/venlo-grand-opening/

GrowSpan Greenhouse Structures has been the industry-leading manufacturer of commercial greenhouses and growing solutions for over forty-five years. With a commitment to innovation and quality, GrowSpan provides custom greenhouse solutions tailored to the needs of growers everywhere.

SOURCE GrowSpan