Nov 2, 2010
Metrolina Looks to ExpandSource: GPN, Charlotte Observer

Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, N.C., is seeking permission from local authorities to rezone 110 acres in Huntersville for the construction of approximately 1.5 million square feet of greenhouses.

According to the Charlotte Observer, the Huntersville Planning Board will meet Nov. 16 to consider and make recommendations on the request. The request would then go before the Huntersville Board of Commissioners for approval on Dec. 20.

Abe VanWingerden, Metrolina’s co-president along with his brother Art, told GPN that expansion was due to “continued growth in our business and in the product lines and product solutions we offer to our customers as well as executing within our 10 year strategic plan for growth.”

Van Wingerden said the expansion would take place over a five to seven year period “and the additional acreage will be multi-functional in nature to handle many crops.”

“Our goal has never been to be the biggest greenhouse in the country, but rather the most efficient and customer-centric live goods provider in the country. This expansion continues in that process of achieving that goal,” Van Wingerden said.

“Our plan is to build the latest in MX-2 greenhouse technology to drive as much sustainability into the process as possible, Van Wingerden said. “More than likely, like we have done on our other expansion, we will do most of the core greenhouse construction ourselves or with local contractors.”

He added that the new greenhouses will capture 100 percent of the rainwater for re-use, and use open-roof technology to save energy costs and energy curtains to lower energy usage. Metrolina also plans to incorporate flood floors to lower water usage and wood boiler heating in the new facilities. These “are just a few of the continuing innovations we will use in the new facility,” Van Wingerden said.

The expansion would also add approximately 35 new jobs to Metrolina’s existing 500 full-time jobs.

Metrolina Greenhouses was founded in 1972 by Tom Van Wingerden who died in an accident last December.

For more information on the company, please go to www.metrolinagreenhouses.com. You also can you can read about Metrolina Greenhouse in the article “Cream of the Crop” in the June 2009 issue of Big Grower.