Exciting Grand Opening of GrowSpan's New Venlo Greenhouse in Iowa Next Week

GrowSpan's Grand Opening Celebration

GrowSpan Greenhouse Structures is on the verge of unveiling its latest state-of-the-art Venlo greenhouse, situated at its Dyersville, Iowa campus. This highly anticipated event is scheduled for Thursday, April 3rd, between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM CST, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the community.

Guests attending this momentous occasion will be treated to a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:00 PM CST, alongside guided tours showcasing the capabilities and features of the new greenhouse. Attendees can also enjoy a selection of food and beverages, as well as the unique opportunity to purchase fresh produce grown right on-site. This event promises to provide insights into advanced growing technology that few have previously witnessed.

Will Hopkins, the Business Development Manager for GrowSpan, expressed excitement about the event, noting the overwhelmingly positive response from the community. “This is a rare chance to have an up-close experience with one of the most advanced greenhouse structures on the market today. Whether you’re a commercial grower looking to optimize operations or simply passionate about innovative agricultural solutions, this event will deliver valuable insights that are hard to find elsewhere,” said Hopkins.

The Venlo greenhouse represents a pivotal advancement in controlled environment agriculture, allowing for efficient production of high-quality crops across various climates. Featuring engineered structures designed with CASTA design software, GrowSpan ensures each greenhouse maintains structural integrity while minimizing material use. Traditional methods often fall short, but CASTA’s optimization of material distribution helps curb steel costs while optimizing the growing environment.

“With around 90% light transmission and remarkable climate control, the Venlo greenhouse is made to excel under varying weather conditions,” explained Jena Jepson, Head Grower for GrowSpan. “We have crafted an efficient, productive, and easy-to-manage growing space, maintaining uniformity and durability.”

Spanning nearly an acre, GrowSpan's new facility includes a greenhouse constructed from galvanized steel, surrounded by 4mm glass on every side. It also features modern climate control technologies such as vertical sliding windows and hydronic heating systems, promoting energy-efficient crop production throughout the year. The greenhouse layout incorporates approximately 25,000 square feet of dedicated growing space, partitioned into three distinct zones to host lettuce, tomatoes, and strawberries—all cultivated via innovative methods like deep water and suspended gutter systems.

Adding to the facility's versatility, an attached headhouse occupies over 10,000 square feet, offering a two-level space for harvesting, processing, and mechanical equipment storage, alongside administrative functions such as offices and conference rooms—all designed with a focus on maximizing biosecurity while showcasing the greenhouse’s operations from a strategic viewing platform.

“We aimed to create multiple viewing opportunities while considering the biosecurity of the crops,” Jepson remarked. “By balancing the operational needs of the plants with accessibility for visitors, we arrived at an efficient and functional layout.”

GrowSpan’s Venlo project signifies not just an upgrade in facilities but also a commitment to positively impacting the surrounding communities. With ample fresh produce to be supplied throughout Eastern Iowa, the greenhouse will host future tours for mid to large-scale growers and provide educational resources for local schools and universities.

The grand opening is not only an invitation for growers and industry professionals to come and explore innovative agricultural advancements but also for the public to engage with the latest trends in controlled environment agriculture. Given the excitement surrounding this event, it’s anticipated to be a memorable day celebrating innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices in agriculture.

For further details and to RSVP for the grand opening, please visit GrowSpan’s event page. Join us and be part of shaping the future of agricultural technology with GrowSpan!

GrowSpan Greenhouse Structures has a long-standing reputation for being an industry-leading manufacturer of commercial greenhouses, driven by a commitment to innovation and quality.