The Netherlands
September 28, 2015
Florist Holland B.V. specializes in the breeding and propagation of gerbera planting material for the cultivation of cut flowers and potted plants.
The assortment of potted plants (seeds) consists of 130 varieties that differ in colour, size and colour of the heart of the flower. The range finds its way to farmers in more than 80 countries. Florist Holland sees the production of seeds increasing. For the plant material for cut gerbera the company has a joint venture with KF Bioplants from India. Together with this company Florist Holland owns laboratories on different locations.
Read more about Florist Holland on the website: www.floristholland.nl/en/home
Florist Holland has recently purchased two new machines from Seed Processing Holland:
- a laboratory seed gravity table, type 4605.00.00 and
- a laboratory seed calibration machine, type 4065.30.00.
We conducted an interview with Theo van Kessel (Controller Seed Processing at Florist Holland) on these acquisitions.
- What type of seeds do you use these machines?
"We have only one kind, which is the pot gerbera, but the size of the seeds varies. We always sieved the seeds using hand screens. This is only suitable for small seed lots, but our lots are getting larger. This was the reason to look further and we choose the Seed calibration machine. We have chosen the Seed gravity table after having a test done in the showroom at SPH. We have found that the density of seeds obviously affects the germination. This allows us to re-use old seed lots."
- Do the machines meet your expectations?
"The machines only have been in use shortly. However, we have thought the process trough and performed enough testing in the showroom at SPH, so I’m confident that these machines will meet our requirements. In particular, the calibration machine will offer many advantages over our old hand sieves. "
- What is the reason for you to purchase these machines at SPH?
"Traditionally, we purchased equipment at SPH. The relationship between Florist and SPH has a long history and one day started with the purchase of a winnower early 80s. For this particular purchase, we looked at the company Sone from Chile. In the past this company multiplicate seed for us. They use SPH equipment and we wanted to purchase similar machines. "
- How did you experience the cooperation (communication and follow-up) with SPH, what your positive / negative experiences?
"To our opinion the partnership was fine. Everything went smoothly and probably our long mutual relationship also plays a role. "
- Did SPH fulfilled your expectations? What could be improved by SPH?
"You want to have the machines as quickly as possible, but these machine have to be built first and the pressure is on. You always want to have the machine sooner. However, we set our mind to the delivery date and this was achieved by SPH. "
- How do you see the future cooperation with SPH? Do you have specific plans for investment in new machines?
"We plan to replace our old equipment, so SPH will definitely play a role in these plans. Our need is not clear yet, however it is in any case limited by working with one seed type. In the past a lot was performed manually, but the lots are getting larger. As a result, more and more machines are applicable. In addition, our customers have become more demanding in terms of germination. Therefore our cleaning process needs to get to the next level. "
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