2015 – New production facility: DartPlant in Bemmel
The nursery in Leersum, situated adjacent to a nature reserve, offered no room for expansion. As a result, modernization at that location was postponed while the Darthuizer Group made plans to relocate. Father and son Ilsink recognized that the future of the company lay in innovative green solutions, such as hedges and green walls. This realization initiated the search for a new location aligned with this vision.
By then, Mobilane had developed a broader product range, including the LivePicture and LivePanel, which required heated greenhouses. Additionally, there was a need for various climate zones to operate energy-efficiently and space for the production of Ready-to-Use Hedges and Oase Lease flower baskets. A property that met all these requirements became available in Bemmel.
The greenhouse in Bemmel, developed in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research, was highly modern and sustainable, especially for its time. The new location not only allowed Mobilane to expand but also to innovate in sustainable production methods.
Social Impact and Sustainability
Operating with a social mission has always been a key focus for Mobilane. The greenhouses in Bemmel provide employment to over 250 colleagues who face challenges entering the regular job market. Their skills are prioritized to help them find suitable and as mainstream as possible workplaces.
The site was designed with sustainability as a top priority. Climate zones for young plants are heated using energy from a sustainable energy mix. The irrigation system utilizes collected rainwater from a shared reservoir, which is used in a closed cultivation system where excess irrigation water is reused. Additionally, Mobilane employs biological pest control, tackling harmful organisms with their natural predators. The methods and materials used are safe, effective, and environmentally friendly.
The acquisition of DartPlant marked a new phase for Mobilane and the Darthuizer Group, combining growth, innovation, and social responsibility.