Dec 27, 2019
CONTENT SOURCED FROM GREENHOUSE GROWER
Written By: Brian Sparks
Havecon Horticultural Projects is nearing completion on the construction of Mastronardi Produce Ltd.’s new Green Empire Farms (GEF), a high-tech greenhouse located in Oneida, NY.
The new greenhouse brings Mastronardi’s internal greenhouse network to seven locations across the U.S. Family owned since 1954, Mastronardi Produce is the largest vertically integrated producer of flavorful greenhouse fruits and vegetables, which it sells and distributes under the SUNSET brand.
The 64-acre (2.78 million square-foot-plus) single greenhouse is split into two phases. It is the largest-ever single build greenhouse projects in North America and one of Havecon’s largest construction projects to date.
Green Empire Farms will grow SUNSET berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Construction of Phase I started in early February, and the first plants were placed this summer, on schedule. Crops in Phase II will be planted in early 2020.
“The scale of this project is enormous,” says Henk Verbakel, CEO of Havecon. “At any given time during construction, we have 10 to 15 platforms and machines, and more than 75 staff working non-stop to keep pace and ensure the schedule is held. Weather was an issue throughout the construction of this project, but we and our partner Voorwinden Construction stayed true to our promises and commitments, and forged ahead no matter what.”
Further Reading
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