UK: Thanet Earth expands with 6th greenhouse
This greenhouse plot is expected to be operational in less than 26 weeks, with the first concrete posts installed this week. The greenhouse will be planted with a mix of speciality tomato varieties, especially selected to suit the requirements of the UK retailers; ultimately adding a significant amount of volume to the site’s production each year.
Fitted with the very latest in horticultural equipment and technology, the sixth greenhouse at Thanet Earth will also be thermally-linked to the other greenhouses on site. This is a new development designed to make the site even more energy-efficient. It provides a way to move the heat generated by the Combined Heat & Power units between the greenhouses, increasing flexibility. The greenhouse will also feature sodium grow lights throughout to ensure that the classic Thanet Earth proposition of 52-week UK tomato harvest continues into this new production space.
As with the existing greenhouses, this new production facility will make use of rainwater capture and biological pest control to maintain the site’s top tier environmental credentials. It will also increase the number of people working at the Thanet Earth site to around 830, further reinforcing Thanet Earth as an important employer and contributor to the area.
This is another key milestone for Thanet Earth’s Managing Director, Des Kingsley. The continuing development of the site is crucial to supporting his ambitious plans for business growth. Speaking as construction began he said: “Adding more capacity for British-grown speciality tomato production will make Thanet Earth an even stronger partner for our retail customers. Their consumers are huge supporters of UK-grown products and the demand for British produce is expected to increase. The Thanet Earth name is well-known and respected in this regard. This additional 52-week production of British tomatoes will be a very welcome boost to retail shelves.”
For more information:
Thanet Earth
Judy.Whittaker@frescagroup.co.uk
www.thanetearth.com