“Using the Geotex PRO without chemicals aligns perfectly with our vision”

At IBN Nurseries, daily operations revolve around working efficiently, sustainability, and giving people opportunities. At the Schaijk location, the Geotex PRO from Terrazza MC now plays an important role in this. The machine is used for cleaning ground cover fabric and removing weeds from paved surfaces, and sweeping can be done completely without chemicals. This fits well with the company’s vision.

“The major advantage is that you can clean everything using only water,” says Operations Manager Corné van de Weerdt. “That fits perfectly with how we want to work: as biologically, cleanly and safely as possible.”

IBN Nurseries has been working with the Geotex PRO for almost two years and uses the machine daily. It offers many advantages, especially on the enormous fabric-covered area. “We have approximately 4.5 hectares of ground cover fabric. It needs to stay properly clean, because the longer the fabric remains in good condition, the longer it lasts.”

Quickly done
Where employees previously had to do a lot of sweeping and use a pressure washer several times a year, maintenance is now faster and easier. “With a pressure washer, you often lifted tracks. Now you take the Geotex PRO, clear a bed, and the job is done in no time.”

According to Corné, the machine is also pleasant for employees to use. “You need to get a feel for it first, but after that it is very easy to handle. The wide tyres that Terrazza adapted for us instead of narrow tyres ensure that you do not leave tracks, and that really makes a difference.”

Working with an eye for people and nature
This sustainable way of working is deeply embedded in the DNA of IBN Nurseries. The company is MPS-certified and tries to limit the use of chemical products as much as possible. “We actually always start biologically,” says Corné. “We work a lot with natural enemies, such as predatory mites, nematodes and other natural control agents.”

That social aspect is at least as important within the company. IBN Nurseries employs approximately 200 people, a large proportion of whom are distanced from the labour market or require extra guidance. “We believe that everyone deserves an opportunity,” says Corné. “We mainly look at what someone can do. One person can handle more than another, but together we make sure the work gets done.”

As Operations Manager, Corné is responsible for everything that happens in the greenhouses at IBN Nurseries. He manages the growers and cultivation team leaders and is also responsible for the propagation material at the various locations. “Ultimately, you try to ensure that there is sufficient propagation work for everyone. In summer, we have a lot of greenhouse work as well as outdoor work, but you also want to keep employees working during the winter.”

25 million cuttings
The amount of work is substantial. Every year, approximately 25 million cuttings pass through the hands of employees at IBN. The company has more than thirty years of experience in propagation and works with approximately one thousand types of cuttings, ranging from ornamental shrubs to conifers. From its locations in Beugen and Schaijk, products are supplied to, among others, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, England, Spain, Portugal and Lithuania.

More job satisfaction
According to Corné, the Geotex PRO not only provides cleaner work floors, but also reduces physical strain. “In the past, cleaning was quite heavy work,” he says. “Now it is much less demanding. And that is important, because we want our greenhouse to provide a safe and pleasant workplace.”

The time savings are also significant. “Previously, someone spent 28 hours a week just sweeping. Now we manage with approximately ten hours spread across the week. Sometimes half an hour, then another fifteen minutes later. We use the machine a lot during the delivery season to keep everything clean and tidy.”

In addition, the machine also proves its value outdoors. “We are located in a wooded area, so you quickly have problems with dirt and weeds. Then it is nice to be able to tackle large surfaces quickly.”

Experience it yourself first
IBN Nurseries came into contact with the Geotex PRO through the GrootGroenPlus trade fair. “We had been looking for a suitable machine for some time,” says Corné. “We came across it at the trade fair and eventually started testing.”

He also recommends that other companies test it. “Have a machine like this demonstrated at your own location, or go somewhere where it is already being used. We had ten employees test it here and asked them how it felt. That is important.”

According to Corné, the strength lies mainly in the combination of sustainability, ease of use and social employability. “You can work without chemicals, it reduces physically demanding work and employees can handle it well. That makes it a truly valuable solution for us.”

You can find the Geotex PRO of Terrazza MC at GreenTech, booth 5.318.

For more information:
Terrazza MC
Dany Mestdag
[email protected]
www.terrazzamc.be