On Friday, November 17, 2023, the construction of FruitMasters' new Masterplan building reached its highest point. The Dutch growers cooperative celebrated this by raising a flag at that point. It took very little time to complete the new production facility's substructure. Work is now starting on the 23 m-high upper structure. The ultramodern factory will be operational in 2025. From its location in the Netherlands, thousands of apples, pears and various types of soft fruit will find their way to customers and consumers worldwide daily.
Healthy growth
FruitMasters focuses on growing its activities healthily and building a future-proof organization. The cooperative, thus, ensures continuity and improved member returns. "We also want to respond flexibly and quickly to our clients' specific requirements. In this, efficiency is a must to absorb cost increases in, for example, raw materials and labor. Scaling up and centralized operational activities within one closed cold chain are central to this large-scale new building on our Geldermalsen site," says general manager Adriaan Vis.
The Masterplan
Construction on the Masterplan began early this year and should be done by early 2025. The high-rise warehouse is the first of its kind in the Dutch fruit-growing sector and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
The warehouse management system (WMS) and high-bay cranes mean all fruit storage bins are automatically transported and stored. And the packing lines are fitted with the latest packing robots.
Besides being efficient, the new building will be highly sustainable and built according to the highest BREAAM sustainability requirements. "By going up, we save valuable square meters."
"And because the high-rise warehouse is compact, we can cool it more efficiently and reduce internal transport movements. The solar panels on the roof contribute to our goal to become self-sufficient in our energy needs," Adriaan concludes. The EU's Fruit and Vegetables Sectoral Intervention (SIG&F) helped fund the building.
For more information:
FruitMasters
7 Deilseweg
4191 NX, Geldermalsen, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 345 578 800
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.fruitmasters.com