Analyzing central heating water
Joost van Buul has more than 33 years of experience at Brabant Plant, the last 20 of which he has been responsible for all aspects of cultivation. Joost explains enthusiastically, "My responsibility is to ensure that every plant we supply fully meets our customers' requirements. We do this as a team, constantly working on controlling the climate, watering, feeding and fertilizing, and protecting crops for consistent quality. The customer's wishes are always our main focus. Our work is never boring; every day we learn something new."
At Brabant Plant, they only produce to customer orders. In the nursery they deal with different plant types, think of cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, cabbage and flowers. The diversity is great and customers' wishes differ. Joost explains: "Take a tomato, for example. All customers need their own specific plants because they also have agreements with retailers, for example. We produce what the customer needs, at the time he needs it. Our customers are mainly production companies in professional horticulture, located in Zeeland, North Brabant, Limburg, Belgium, Germany and Austria."
About Brabant Plant
Brabant Plant is a family business in Haarsteeg that has existed since 1969, making it the first plant nursery in North Brabant. In 1991 Tiny van den Berk, the third generation, took over the company and expanded it to what it is today. Brabant Plant is a propagation company and offers a wide range of plant material, including greenhouse vegetables, outdoor vegetables, flowering potted plants and starting material for ornamentals.
Preventive prevention of problems
"The central heating system is important for our nursery. The installation ensures a constant and optimal climate, regardless of the weather conditions outside. We rely completely on this large and expensive installation, especially during critical periods such as the January freeze. It is essential that the plant continues to function without breakdown or loss of capacity, because our plants depend on it."
"To ensure reliability, we pay great attention to the maintenance of the plant and the water flowing through it. The quality of the water is important because even small contaminants or imbalances can have serious consequences for the operation of the entire plant. For example, if there is too much oxygen in the water inside the central heating system, you will get bacterial growth and iron in your water. This is very bad for your system and for our plants. To prevent problems and avoid unforeseen costs, we have the water checked preventively at least four times a year. We have this water analysis done by Normec Robalab."
Mario Willems, commercial manager Normec Robalab, explains, "In addition to the importance of keeping the central heating system in top condition, you can save a lot of money by using the analysis of central heating water. When the central heating system is contaminated, a loss of efficiency of 10 - 20% is no exception. This can amount to thousands of euros of lost efficiency per year. By checking preventively, you avoid such risks."
"The customers who have their CHP and/or CHP water installations periodically sampled, analyzed and water treatment with our products at our company experience this as very valuable. Normec Robalab takes care of all the planning, sample analysis and product administration. This allows Brabant Plant to concentrate fully on what they do best: supplying plants of consistent top quality."
— Mario Willems, Commercieel Manager Normec Foodcare
Boiler water analysis by Normec Robalab
"An employee of Normec Robalab visits us to take a water sample, so we don't have to spend time on this ourselves, says Arno van de Bogert. Arno has been working at Brabant Plant for over 5 years in the position of cultivation specialist. "Then their experts get to work on the analysis, scrutinizing important aspects such as oxygen content, bacterial growth and iron. Based on the outcome, we add various chemicals to the water to maintain perfect water quality. The required chemicals automatically come our way. This efficient approach by Normec Robalab allows us to fully concentrate on our work while relying on the highest quality of our water."
Reliable cooperation
"Joost and Arno emphasize that the cooperation with Normec Robalab is to their complete satisfaction," said Joost. "It is a huge reassurance for us that they come and take the samples, so we don't have to worry about that. We receive the results quickly and clearly. Moreover, we not only receive advice, but also automatically all the necessary agents to add to the water. Reliability is crucial for our customers, and we expect the same reliability from our partners. Fortunately, Normec Robalab absolutely meets these expectations. We therefore confidently look forward to the future of our cooperation."
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