Still building, still ringing, still here

The breakup of BFG Supply is prompting movement across the North American greenhouse industry, with suppliers looking to bring on former BFG employees, take on projects and customers previously served by the company, or assume its distribution relationships. At the same time, DeCloet Greenhouse Manufacturing, one of BFG’s subsidiaries, says it is continuing operations under court protection.

BFG Supply acquired Canadian greenhouse manufacturer DeCloet in July 2021, and was named in the Chapter 11 procedure of BFG. DeCloet’s team addressed the rumors directly. “BFG Supply did file for Chapter 11 – we know”, says general manager Patrick Gelineau, adding that they’re working with the courts and moving forward. “Apparently, DeCloet Greenhouse is ‘Dead.’ That was news to us. We checked the shop. Still building. Checked the phones. Still ringing. Checked the team. Still here. Checked the greenhouses. Yep, still standing.” The company points to four decades in business as the reason the rumors haven’t stuck. “After 40 years in business, we’ve learned that rumours come and go; DeCloet structures tend to stick around. We’re still building, still growing, and still planning for what’s next. So, to whoever started the rumour, you’re going to have to try a little harder. Nothing knocks down a DeCloet.”

The same goes for the former BFG colleagues. Many of these have extensive experience in the horticultural and floricultural industry. Following their losing their jobs by the end of July, several former BFG employees have already landed elsewhere in the industry. EHR has hired three, and Dramm has taken on one.

At the same time, other suppliers are looking to capture part of BFG’s customer base. The distribution market has already been under pressure in recent years, as inflation and higher costs have increased pressure throughout the supply chain, while commercial growers and their suppliers have continued to upscale. Combined with large retailers increasing price pressure, as well as financing pressures and the increased cost base resulting from years of expansion, the pressure on distributors has grown.

With BFG now going through Chapter 11, competitors see an opportunity to pick up customers, projects and product lines that may become available during the restructuring. “Whether your longtime supplier has closed its doors, is no longer carrying the products you need or simply isn’t providing the level of service your operation requires, it’s a good opportunity to take a closer look at what you actually need from a supplier”, the CropKing team advises. “Price matters. Availability matters. Shipping matters. But the right supplier should offer more than a catalog and a checkout button. You need a partner who understands growing. That’s where CropKing can help.”

Also, Griffin Greenhouse Supplies is positioning itself to absorb some of what BFG leaves behind, from warehouse space to inventory to staff. “With a large industry presence recently undergoing a significant transition, Griffin is actively evaluating opportunities involving additional warehouse facilities across the country, inventory assets, and highly qualified employees,” the company states. “In the midst of this transition, Griffin has already welcomed several experienced industry professionals to its team and looks forward to building on that momentum as additional opportunities emerge.”

They’re not the only ones: a lot of the former BFG colleagues have years of experience and found new positions at companies like EHR, and Dramm.

Andrew Barry, Managing Director of Griffin Greenhouse Supplies, frames the moment as an opening rather than only a disruption. “We recognize that periods of change can create uncertainty across an industry, but they can also create opportunities to build something stronger for the future,” Andrew says. “We are taking a thoughtful look at the resources and talent that may become available and asking how they can help us better serve our customers, strengthen our operations, and create additional value for our vendor partners.” He ties that expansion to the company’s own history. “Our responsibility is to think beyond the immediate opportunity,” he says. “We want to grow in a stable and responsible way while continuing to build on the foundation Griffin has established over nearly 80 years.” Griffin is also addressing customers with projects still in motion through BFG. The company says those projects do not have to stall, offering to work with affected customers directly or connect them with reseller partners to keep the work moving.

“While Sparetime Supply has competed with BFG across the Western U.S. since they acquired L&L and entered the western market, we also recognize the important role they have played in our industry as a whole. Our thoughts are with their employees, customers, vendors”, Sparetime Supply shares. “For the customers, vendors, and brands now looking for a reliable distribution partner, we want you to know that we’re here and ready to help. We’re still family owned and operated, committed to the Lawn & Garden and CEA industries, and focused on building long-term relationships with the people and brands we serve. If you’re looking for a strong distribution partner, let’s talk.”

Earlier, Totalgrow already addressed the industry. ” If you had projects moving through BFG Supply, those projects don’t have to stall. We can work with you directly, or connect you with trusted reseller partners to keep things moving smoothly.”