TTS Transplanting Services and OptiPlug are jointly showcasing a complete concept at GrootGroenPlus. A key part of this is a new fully automated planting machine from TTS, along with matching trays that can be filled with OptiPlug's paperpots. Other companies like Van der Avoird Trayplant and Van Schaik Rack Solutions are also involved in this collaboration. This way, growers can be fully supported with an automated cultivation system.

Source: Emiel te Walvaart

TTS Transplanting Services has developed a new automatic planting machine, for which a suitable fixed tray has been designed. This is linked to a logistical cultivation system, automating the entire concept. "We aim to take care of the grower from A to Z. Operating the planting machine itself is straightforward, but growers often get stuck with the rest of the application. That's why we offer a complete system, guaranteeing that it works well," says Rob Tolenaars, owner of TTS Transplanting Services. TTS collaborates with various partners for this concept. OptiPlug supplies paperpots for the automated planting system and can automatically fill the trays with plugs. Growers who do not want to handle the planting themselves can turn to Van der Avoird Trayplant, which can assist with a tray system. The company can automatically insert and sort the plugs and then grow them in a modern greenhouse. Additionally, Van Schaik Rack Solutions provides cultivation trays for TTS trays.

Complete package

At GrootGroenPlus, the stands of OptiPlug and TTS Transplanter are side by side. Here, the new concept is explained in detail. In addition to these two companies, Van der Avoird Trayplant will also be present. Tolenaars explains, "The trays and machines are displayed, complemented by demonstration videos. OptiPlug and TTS Transplanter are two separate companies, but we stand together because we serve the same customers. OptiPlug can fill our trays with paperpots that fit perfectly. That’s why we decided to present this together."

The parties are offering a complete system together, guaranteeing that it works well."

Tolenaars continues, "We have a great complete package, with trays for the plugs and the machine. The customer is free to make their own choice. If a grower only wants plugs from OptiPlug and not the machine, that’s possible too. You don't necessarily have to buy the machine from TTS and get the plugs from OptiPlug. Another option is to purchase the planting machine and continue using loose-filled trays, but that yields lesser results than with plugs. In this regard, we've had good experiences with OptiPlug." Automation is something everyone wants, but standardisation is the most important thing, says Tolenaars. "We offer that standardisation with the concept of the automatic planting machine, trays, plugs, and cultivation frames. This is all showcased in the stand, along with the operation of different planting machines, supplemented by videos."

Automation and mechanisation

OptiPlug is participating in the trade fair for the second time, following its first appearance last year. Owner Rico Scheffers states: "Last year, we were mainly there to increase brand awareness. And it worked because we are now reaching more new target groups, partly thanks to the collaboration with TTS. The trade fair is interesting for connecting with new product groups. With our paperpot plugs and the TTS planting machine, we also focus on the possibilities of automation and mechanisation, as there is currently a shortage of labour. In the long run, you’ll definitely recover the investment in such a system if you can save a few labourers per day." Scheffers notes that the paperplug is on the rise, even in industries other than ornamental horticulture and tree nurseries. "We see our plugs being used by different target groups and for various products for several reasons, such as in agriculture and horticulture. This way, we spread our sales across multiple sectors and throughout the year, which is better from a business perspective." Scheffers does not want to be tied to a single company that makes automatic planting machines. "There are several suppliers in this field. Moreover, not every grower buys one themselves. We are proud of the customers we have, and hopefully, new parties will join through GrootGroenPlus, especially now that we have a good partnership with TTS."

TTS Transplanting Services

TTS Transplanting Services started out five years ago in Rijsbergen with the development of automation for nurseries to save on labour cost. The focus is on automatic planting machines. TTS has since grown into a leading supplier of high-quality, innovative, and reliable automatic transplanting machines for vegetable fields. Local plant and tree nurseries provided significant assistance during this development. Currently, seven large automatic planting machines from TTS are in operation at tree nurseries. The entire production process, from start to finish, takes place in the workshop in Rijsbergen. In addition to advising customers on applications, Tolenaars is partly involved in the production of the machines, allowing for custom solutions. It’s important to note that TTS develops the robot and software in-house and provides a warranty. "This way, we can offer the right concept to the customer," says Tolenaars. The machines from TTS meet the needs of nurseries. With TTS automation, the handling of trays can be reduced, and productivity increased. Moreover, time is saved. The automatic planting machines have been in operation for a long time and offer comfort to workers. The machines have an indicative production capacity of up to 6,000 plants per row per hour, depending on the type or combination of robots.

OptiPlug

OptiPlug specialises in paperpots. The company in De Lier, which has been producing paperpots since 2010, is run by Richard Scheffers and his son Rico. The first machines purchased were easy and flexible regarding the plug diameter and processing different trays. As a result, OptiPlug worked with a wide range of soil suppliers, which helped the company grow rapidly through new customers. In addition to its own supply, OptiPlug now also provides paperpots to various dealers, mainly for export. Due to the increased popularity of paperpots, OptiPlug continues to grow and invest in new production lines, such as new machines from Ellepot.