How strong partnerships lead to successful CEA projects

Strong partnerships drive successful projects. At Van der Valk Horti Systems, we believe in building long-lasting partnerships based on trust, shared expertise and mutual growth. As greenhouse projects become increasingly complex, strong partnerships are no longer just an advantage; they are essential to success. In this interview, Tony Abbas, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Prospiant, and Jack Vijverberg, Senior Sales & Project Manager at Van der Valk Horti Systems, share their perspectives on the partnership and discuss how close collaboration continues to deliver successful projects.

A partnership built on trust, commitment, and shared success

Van der Valk Horti Systems and Prospiant have a long-standing partnership. “Our relationship with Van der Valk goes back many years and predates my time at Prospiant,” says Tony. “When I joined the company and got to know the Van der Valk team and their solutions, it quickly became clear that we were a natural fit. They understand our business and the challenges we face.”

For Jack, the strength of the partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to quality. “Projects are becoming increasingly complex, and expectations are higher than ever. That makes it essential to work with partners who share the same mindset: delivering quality, keeping their promises, and always striving for the best solution for the customer. That is why we invest heavily in long-term relationships. Our partnership with Prospiant continues to grow stronger, creating value not only for our companies but, most importantly, for growers.”

“Strong communication is essential,” Tony adds. “Especially when working with a partner based in Europe. Being able to communicate openly, stay aligned on schedules, and have confidence that products will arrive when needed makes our job significantly easier. The people behind Van der Valk make a real difference. Jack, for example, is fantastic, and he makes himself available whenever I need him. He is genuinely invested in our success and comes to visit often. That level of commitment and involvement is invaluable and strengthens the relationship beyond the day-to-day business. Jack is Van der Valk Horti Systems to me.”

Strong projects start with strong partnerships

To illustrate what this collaboration looks like in practice, Tony points to the KingsOne Farms project. “On this project, we worked closely with Van der Valk Horti Systems to deliver a three-screen solution for the facility, which presented a significant engineering challenge. From selecting the appropriate screen materials to determining how the system should operate, we collaborated throughout every stage of the project.

Photo 1: Sander Zwinkels and Jack Vijverberg at Prospiant's facility in Canada.

The application was highly specific, as the screens needed to help manage light levels while maximizing both energy savings and available sunlight. Van der Valk’s team played an important role throughout the entire process. It was a true partnership between our teams, and the result is a facility that is operating successfully today and has a very promising future ahead.”

Jack also recalls the KingsOne Farms project as a particularly rewarding collaboration. “KingsOne Farms is a great example of what can be achieved when two teams truly work together towards a common goal. Throughout the project, both teams complemented each other exceptionally well, bringing their unique expertise to the table while always keeping the customer’s success at the heart of the project. Over the years, we have built a strong foundation of trust, and in many cases, a brief conversation is all it takes to align on the best way forward. That level of understanding not only makes us more effective, but also makes the collaboration genuinely enjoyable.”

Jack adds: “For the KingsOne Farms project, our involvement went beyond supplying the systems. We were responsible for the technical selections and for determining the materials required for both the ventilation mechanisms and screening systems. To support the installation team, we provided detailed installation drawings and a comprehensive manual, helping ensure the work could be carried out as efficiently and accurately as possible. Throughout the project, we regularly visited the site to review the installation together with the project team and verify that everything was being installed in line with the original design.”

“What we get from Van der Valk Horti Systems continues to be industry-leading”

According to Tony, however, successful collaboration is built on more than just technical expertise and strong relationships. “The quality of Van der Valk’s systems is equally important. Their solutions are proven in practice and have consistently delivered reliable results. They continually invest in research and innovation to further enhance their products while maintaining the quality and performance we have come to expect.”

“There are other companies offering similar products,” Tony continues. “But what we get from Van der Valk Horti Systems continues to be industry-leading. Their technology, responsiveness, and the strong relationship we have built over the years give us confidence that we are working with a partner we can always rely on.” Many of Prospiant’s projects operate on tight timelines, with short lead times and fast turnarounds. “Whenever we’ve needed information, last-minute changes, or expedited deliveries, their team has always worked alongside us to make it happen,” Tony explains. “It’s reassuring to have a partner you can rely on.”

Photo 2: ValkScreenVision 2.0 screen system installed at a project site.
Photo 2: ValkScreenVision 2.0 screen system installed at a project site.

Proven relationship through customer success

“Our experience with Van der Valk Horti Systems has been very positive,” states Tony. “For us, the real measure of success is the feedback we receive from our customers. As a company that sells and installs their systems, customer experience ultimately tells the story. That feedback has consistently been positive. Their systems have proven to be reliable, and we have seen strong performance across the many projects where they have been implemented. That success benefits not only our business, but our customers as well. When customers have confidence in a system and understand how it works, it also helps build the kind of trust that leads to repeat business.”

Jack agrees: “What Tony says certainly applies to us as well. Ultimately, the satisfaction of the end user with our systems is the true measure of success. We also take great pride in building strong partnerships and achieving success together. What I appreciate about Prospiant is that they combine a high level of professionalism with a very approachable and collaborative way of working. They understand the market and their customers’ needs, always focusing on practical solutions. Working with Tony and his team has always been open and straightforward. There is a strong sense of trust between our teams, which allows us to communicate openly, make decisions efficiently, and move projects forward with confidence.”

“Van der Valk Horti Systems and Prospiant have built a long-standing partnership based on trust, collaboration, and a track record of successful projects,” concludes Tony.

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