Saint-Gobain originally started supplying high standing building materials such as glass and mirrors for the palace of Lodewijk XIV. Since then, the company has grown into a world market leader in building materials and is active in 43 countries with 195.000 employees. "Out of the total number of employees, 3500 of them are working in Research & Development," adds Heeren. "This proves the important role that product development plays in our company and our constant quest for innovation." Saint-Gobain's innovative techniques and products are applied worldwide in modern buildings, industry and sectors. More than half of all the cars in the world have glass from Saint Gobain. They even developed the windscreen for the space shuttle.
Concrete horticultural related innovations were also discussed. Heeren went into detail about a new pH method of measurement and presented diffused glass from Saint-Gobain Cultilène. "The research, innovation and development of these products, just like production, happens at an international level. We supply the entire horticultural sector from multiple locations spread out around the world."
During an extensive tour it became clear how the international corporate vision regarding safety, efficiency and quality manifested itself locally in the Tilburg production halls of Saint-Gobain Cultilène. The buyers of the Cultilène substratemats, plugs, and cultivation blocks had the opportunity to witness how the products were assembled, and got to talk to each other about its technical qualities for cultivation. "It is good to see how accurate and hygienic they operate, with great attention to quality," a participant of the conference remarked. "That is, of course, necessary. Clean and high quality substrate is the foundation for every successful cultivation."
For more information:
Saint-Gobain Cultilène B.V.
Zeusstraat 2
5048 CA TILBURG
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)13 5780057
[email protected]
www.cultilene.nl
For more information about Grow Group:
Grow Group
Geestweg 146a
Naaldwijk
Tel 088-0120500
www.growgroup.com
[email protected]