Dutch firm Pack TTI has marked a significant milestone this week as it officially inaugurated its new premises, reflecting its commitment to addressing the growing demand for automation in the flower, horticultural, and agricultural sectors. The company, operating under divisions like Flowerhands, Hortihands, and Veghands, specializes in the sale of pruning, weighing, sorting, and harvesting machinery. With its recent move, Pack TTI has taken a substantial step forward, particularly in terms of warehouse space, an essential requirement to meet the increasing demand for automation.
Christian Oosterlaan, a key figure at Pack TTI, underscores the pivotal role of automation in the sectors they serve. He states, “Automation is an ever-growing trend in the sectors in which we operate. We want to respond to that with this move and expansion.” The decision to move to a new location became evident due to the company’s extensive growth, necessitating a larger storage area. The opportunity to secure new premises was presented to Pack TTI, and it was an opportunity they couldn’t afford to pass up.
The company commenced full-scale operations at its new site this week. While the offices largely remain the same, the company has doubled its warehouse space, enabling them to stock a more extensive inventory. Oosterlaan notes the importance of this expansion, especially during the current season when the availability of parts and machinery is crucial for responding promptly to customer demands. The new location is also strategically positioned, providing easier access via a major highway, enhancing logistical efficiency.
Pack TTI’s expansion aligns with the burgeoning market for automation, as described by Christian. He notes that the increasing difficulty in finding skilled personnel is a global challenge affecting various sectors, including the horticultural industry. As labor shortages become more pronounced, companies are actively seeking labor-saving solutions, ultimately turning to automation. This heightened demand for automated machinery has surged in recent years, bolstering Pack TTI’s growth prospects.
In the face of inflation and reduced investment willingness, Pack TTI remains relatively unaffected due to its focus on affordable, straightforward machinery. Christian explains, “We’re not in the high-tech market; we work with relatively simple machines. That makes it interesting, budget-wise, for smaller growers to invest.” He emphasizes that the ability to incrementally invest in automation provides smaller growers with a cost-effective entry point, supported by the company’s straightforward maintenance procedures.
Christian concludes, “With our move, we should be able to maintain our recent growth nicely.” Pack TTI’s expansion positions the company to meet the growing demand for automation and continue to serve the evolving needs of the horticultural industry effectively.