Montana Lisianthus flows ahead with smart water management

Montana Lisianthus flows ahead with smart water management

For 30 years, Montana Lisianthus in Poeldijk has been a pioneer within the lisianthus world. The
crop requires precision and, above all, constant innovation. "We are always looking for ways to improve," says Jerom, co-owner of the family business since last year. One such improvement? Optimising water management. Together with A1 Group, they tackled the entire water system. The result: more control, fewer breakdowns and, above all, more peace and quiet in the greenhouse.

A family business full of colour

Montana Lisianthus is a true family business. Thirty years ago, the parents of Jerom as one of the first lisianthus growers in the Netherlands. In the meantime, the second generation at the helm. "We are always innovating," Jerom explains. "We work together with breeders and currently grow some 30 different varieties, in addition to which we also dye fifteen. Everything to offer a wide and exclusive range."

Jerom started in engineering, then moved towards commerce, and now his heart lies with cultivation. "I am fascinated by the question: what exactly does a plant need to grow optimally? The lisianthus is a complex crop, you keep learning."

More stable growing with smart water management

To grow lisianthus year-round, good water management is essential. "We water a lot. And with our old system, we had to deal with dirty pipes, irregular distribution and breakdowns. We wanted a more professional approach," explains Jerom.

Together with A1 Group, the entire water management system was examined AND
addressed. A new outdoor water storage facility was installed, including a first-flush silo,
covers, a day tank and a bioreactor. The existing water units were also rearranged, and a new pumping system was installed.

 

"Everything is running much more stable now. We can give more specifically what we want to give and are much less prone to failure. The system gives peace of mind. If something fails, we can just keep on keep pouring."

Jerom | co-owner Montana Lisianthus

Cooperation with A1 Group

The collaboration with A1 Group started about 2.5 years ago. "We were looking for a party that thought along with us," explains Jerom. "They first mapped everything out properly: where are you now, where do you want to go, and what steps are needed to achieve this?"

Jerom particularly appreciates the personal touch. "Ron and Glenn are regular
points of contact and communication is pleasant. A1 really unburdens you. And maintenance is also well organised. If you suddenly have a problem on a Friday afternoon, they are there. Together we have really made great strides in the field of water management. A1 Group will always be a partner in this - even if only for the maintenance and for thinking along with us.

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J&A Flowers: growing with the right partner

J&A Flowers: growing with the right partner

Chrysanthemum cultivation is a challenging sector. To meet the sustainability requirements for the future, you have to keep innovating as a business. Finding a reliable partner is essential. J&A Flowers, a true family company and part part of the growers' association VannoVaMG, has found that partner in A1 Group. Erwin, co-owner of J&A Flowers, talks about their collaboration and the sustainability of their their cultivation facilities.

A strategic expansion

In 2024, J&A Flowers expanded by 3.6 hectares. "We were given the opportunity to take over two greenhouses from our neighbours in De Lier. That gave us the opportunity to create a nice, efficient block," says Erwin. "An opportunity we couldn't pass up."

Such an expansion involves a lot, especially in terms of screening. J&A Flowers opted for double screens: a blackout and energy screen. "We knew very well ourselves what we wanted, but A1 Group actively thought along with us. In the end we chose screens from Svensson and we are very happy with them."

In addition to the screens, insect netting was also installed. "That was new for us," says Erwin. "If you want to keep growing chrysanthemums in the future, it actually becomes a requirement. With the current options in crop protection products, you don't really have an option. Thrips is not solved directly with it, but for other pests like aphids, bugs and caterpillars it is an effective solution. You can really make a big impact with it. I am convinced that within now and two years all chrysanthemum growers will have mesh in their vents."

Cooperation with A1 Group

A project of this size requires a partner who not only supplies high-quality materials, but also thinks with us and is flexible. "We heard good stories about A1 Group and decided to talk to them," says Erwin. "From the first conversation with Kevin we had a good feeling about them. They showed that they were keen to get started in chrysanthemum cultivation. The value for money was good and we had a good click. We were confident."

That trust was more than lived up to. "The cooperation went very well. A1 kept perfectly to schedule, which is crucial in new construction. But what I appreciate, is their service afterwards because minor adjustments are always needed. With A1 you don't have to wait for that. You call, and a day later someone is in the garden."

According to Kevin from A1 Group, the contact goes well because they "share the same blood group share. Erwin agrees: "Kevin, Remco and I are on the same page. That communicates pleasantly.
"The cooperation has been very good. A1 kept perfectly to schedule, which is crucial in new construction. But what I appreciate, is their service afterwards because minor adjustments are always needed. With A1 you don't have to wait for that. You call, and a day later someone is in the garden."
Erwin van Luijk | co-owner J&A Flowers
Future plans
The collaboration between J&A Flowers and A1 Group does not stop here. This year insect netting installed in the existing greenhouse in De Lier and in Maasdijk, too, there are investments are planned, such as blackout and energy screens. In addition, we are already looking at a second phase of new construction. "As an innovative greenhouse horticulture company you never stand still. This crop also requires you to always be on the move and A1 is a good partner for that at that."

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HV Victoria saves millions of litres of mains water every year thanks to sustainable watering system

HV Victoria saves millions of litres of tap water every year thanks to sustainable sprinkler system

HV Victoria is one of the most sustainable sports clubs in the Netherlands. The club wants to have as little impact on the environment as possible, without compromising the quality of their facilities. Together with A1 Group, Victoria has installed a water saving system that saves millions of litres of tap water every year. saved. Paul Driessen, one of the volunteers involved, talks about this innovative system and the collaboration with A1 Group.

HV Victoria saves millions of litres of tap water every year thanks to sustainable sprinkler system

HV Victoria is one of the most sustainable sports clubs in the Netherlands. The club wants to have as little impact on the environment as possible, without compromising the quality of their facilities. Together with A1 Group, Victoria has installed a water saving system that saves millions of litres of tap water every year. saved. Paul Driessen, one of the volunteers involved, talks about this innovative system and the collaboration with A1 Group.


Name:
HV Victoria
Address:
Kralingseweg 226
3062 CG Rotterdam
Systems:
+ System 1
+ System 2
+ System 3

HV Victoria is one of the most sustainable sports clubs in the Netherlands. The club wants to have as little impact on the environment as possible, without sacrificing the
quality of their facilities. Together with A1 Group, Victoria has installed a water conservation system that saves millions of litres of tap water every year. Paul Driessen, one of the volunteers involved, talks about this
innovative system and cooperation with A1 Group.
Name:
HV Victoria
Address:
Kralingseweg 226
3062 CG Rotterdam
Systems:
+ System 1
+ System 2
+ System 3
Name:
HV Victoria
Address:
Kralingseweg 226
3062 CG Rotterdam
Systems:
+ System 1
+ System 2
+ System 3
Name:
HV Victoria
Address:
Kralingseweg 226
3062 CG Rotterdam
Systems:
+ System 1
+ System 2
+ System 3
Name:
HV Victoria
Address:
Kralingseweg 226
3062 CG Rotterdam
Systems:
+ System 1
+ System 2
+ System 3
Name:
HV Victoria
Address:
Kralingseweg 226
3062 CG Rotterdam
Systems:
+ System 1
+ System 2
+ System 3
Name:
HV Victoria
Address:
Kralingseweg 226
3062 CG Rotterdam
Systems:
+ System 1
+ System 2
+ System 3

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Name:
HV Victoria
Address:
Kralingseweg 226
3062 CG Rotterdam
Systems:
+ System 1
+ System 2
+ System 3
Name:
HV Victoria
Address:
Kralingseweg 226
3062 CG Rotterdam
Systems:
+ System 1
+ System 2
+ System 3
Name:
HV Victoria
Address:
Kralingseweg 226
3062 CG Rotterdam
Systems:
+ System 1
+ System 2
+ System 3

A unique system with gigantic water savings

"About six years ago, we installed a well and had new installations installed by A1 Group," Paul explains. "Before that we were working with tap water, we do consume about 20,000 cubic metres a year, which is 20 million litres. Thanks to the well, our water now comes from the ground, which is both much more sustainable and affordable. The savings on tap water alone is huge."

Through the new system, water is pumped from a deep well, filtered, and stored in a silo before being used to water the hockey and tennis courts. Paul explains: "The pumped water does need to be purified because it contains contains a lot of iron. With the filter system, we can capture that well."

 Reliability through regular maintenance

"A1 Group comes in monthly for maintenance. That is very important for us to keep everything of good quality," says Paul. "A failure in the sprinkler system at the hockey pitches they can signal remotely. Within 24 hours we are up and running."

Personal collaboration and short lines of communication

"We have been working with A1 Group (previously Van Oosten Beregeningssystemen) for so many years that they know every corner and every system of our club. At clubs, drawings are often poorly updated, so it helps enormously that they know exactly what is where."

Paul emphasises the pleasant contact with his regular contacts: "We regularly speak Ron and Dennis. Thanks to the short lines of communication and personal contact, everything is quickly arranged. We experience the cooperation as very pleasant."
"We want to keep improving," says Paul. "Together with A1 Group, we are confident about the future. Our current system is fairly unique in the Netherlands, certainly six years ago it was very special. Now you see more associations taking the same sustainable step. That is only only positive for sustainability within sports associations. We are proud to be leading the way and want to continue to grow in sustainability as an association."

Paul Driessen | Volunteer HV Victoria

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A sustainable partnership with Plant nursery P. van Geest

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A sustainable partnership with Plant nursery P. van Geest

Plant nursery P. van Geest in Maasland never stands still. With the ambition of becoming the greenest plant nursery greenest plant nursery, the nursery continues to innovate and become more sustainable. Over the past ten years, we have realised many successful projects. From renewing screen cloths and installing water systems to installing insect netting. Managing director Thijs Hermans talks about the projects and looks back on our cooperation.

A successful renovation

From something old, make something new. That was the entrepreneur's goal when an existing nursery 5 years ago was purchased for expansion. "Previously, the nursery in Naaldwijk was used for a lily crop. Adjustments to the water technology were needed. As was the laying of new floors and installing climate screens. With A1 Group, we went looking for the best solutions. Our locations had to be linked together hydrologically. We had a new basin made under the direction of A1 Group. They did an awful lot for us. Also at our location in Maasland, including replacing 10 ha of screen cloths and 20 ha of wire change. A1 Group advised us Ridder's energy screen cloth. We are still very satisfied with that."

Sustainable solutions

That sustainability plays an important role at P. van Geest is reflected in the renovations and choices that
they make. "We choose solutions that contribute to our sustainability vision," Thijs explains.
Insect netting was recently installed in one department. "After we shared this idea with A1 Group, they
conducted further research and scrutinised similar projects. Together, we
decided to pursue the idea. We are now testing the effect of growing different products under
mesh. Is it possible to grow both our hydrangea crop to tomatoes year-round below
produce? Thanks to insect netting, we can also produce exclusively organic crop protection
apply."

A reliable partner

When you have been working with each other for 10 years, it says a lot about the partnership. "A1 Group has a
No-nonsense mentality, that suits us. Thanks to short lines of communication and permanent points of contact, we can quickly
switch with each other. We don't have to wait six months for an offer. That just works well.
You notice that they have a lot of knowledge. We put a question to them, and they come up with
solutions that fit our situation."

For Thijs, a partnership is successful when you can rely on each other. And that reliability is something
he returned to A1 Group. "They do what they promise. When they say they will start in week 23, they do
that too. Everything that is agreed with each other beforehand is realised accordingly. Without surprises
afterwards. As a result, we always know where we stand and A1 Group is a very reliable
partner."

"The world is changing every day. What it will look like in three years, nobody knows. In any case, we won't stand still. Continuing to innovate and renew is typical of our company. With A1 Group as our partner, we look to the future with confidence."

Thijs Hermans | Managing director

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