Want to 10x your yield?

Here’s why you need experts to build your greenhouse:

Say you want to build a bridge.
You have three options:

1. Take on the project yourself.
   How hard can it be?
2. Hire a cheaper, less experienced team.
   They may not have all the skills and expertise to build a functional structure, but you’re saving money, right?
3. Hire an experienced team of professionals who’ll manage the whole project.
   It’s pricey, but it’ll ensure a well-designed and constructed structure that will last for years to come.

Which one will you choose?

It’s pretty obvious for a complex engineering job, right? Most of us would pay more for quality, durability, great design, superior workmanship and safety. The consequences of not doing that range from unseen future expenses, a sub-par product, severe delays and, well, catastrophe…

When it comes to growing produce, you don’t need a bridge. But you do need an expertly crafted, well-thought-out greenhouse to ensure increased production. That’s why partnering with the right team to design and construct your greenhouse is crucial to your success.

To illustrate this point, let’s start with an unfortunate story that’s all too familiar in our industry.

A cautionary tale

On request, a company creates plans for an ambitious greenhouse project. The client loved the plans and the potential it had to 10x their yield. Then came time to discuss the project scope and budget:

Client: “This is too expensive. We want to use our own labour here on the farm to build the greenhouse.”

Company: “We don’t recommend that, but we understand. We can send one of our engineers to supervise the project. It’ll be RX000 per day, but will save you exponentially more than that.”

Client: “Oh no, we were looking to pay around RX00 a day for them.”

As you probably guessed, the client goes ahead without supervisors, and the job is a disaster. It takes triple the amount of time to build the greenhouse and there are dozens of instances where parts are broken or incorrectly assembled. And, perhaps most disappointing of all, because it isn’t biosecure, the crops suffer due to extreme temperature fluctuations and pests.

Just three months later, the company gets a call from the client asking them to come in and fix it all up. It ends up costing them way more in parts and labour than the original quote. Because – as so often happens – when you buy cheap, you have to buy twice.

Engineering expertise: The foundation of a good harvest

Greenhouses may look simple, but like all engineering projects, they are complex structures that require precision and accuracy at every step. Each greenhouse project can have 100 000 - 200 000 individual parts, some costing up to R5000 each.

One small mistake can render a costly part useless. And if you don't catch the mistake, it can result in significant produce losses. So it's essential to choose a company that understands the full scale and complexity of your project and can deliver on three key factors: 

Expert knowledge

Whoever you choose should have a team of specialists who bring their unique skills and know-how to every project. From agronomists to electrical and structural engineers. As well as irrigation designers, 3D modellers, and project managers. 

Safety

Safety should be a non-negotiable aspect of every greenhouse project. Not just because it’s the law, but because it’s deeply entrenched in the company’s business ethics. Choose a company who follows all regulations and puts health and safety at the forefront of everything they do.

Turnkey project management

Choose a company who manages the whole process for you. From conceptual design to engineering plans including timelines and schedules… all the way to construction, technical handover, and support. This means you get a quality product that’s done right, first time.

Cutting corners is more costly than you think

When it comes to greenhouse engineering, cutting corners and taking shortcuts cause more problems than they solve. It may be tempting, especially if money is tight, but it's a risky decision that costs more in the long run. You know the old saying, “You get what you pay for”:

Delays

Delayed construction affects how quickly you can grow and sell your product.

Maintenance costs

Duct tape can’t fix everything. You’ll be spending on maintenance and repairs for many years to come.

Poor quality product

A greenhouse with leaks, holes, and other snags will impact the overall performance and quality of your product.

Investing in your success: Why Vegtech Netafim is the smart choice

We understand that constructing a greenhouse is a significant investment, and we're here to help you make the most of it. By choosing Vegtech Netafim, you can be confident that your greenhouse will be constructed correctly, and with the highest levels of accuracy and safety.

With us, you’ll have an effortless experience crossing that bridge to greater success. And we’ll be waiting on the other side with champagne.

Ready to know (and grow) more?

Don't gamble with your crops by taking shortcuts on your greenhouse. Reach out on +27 21 987 6980 or info@vegtech.co.za to see how we can help you ensure your long-term success.

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