We have been working with Lensli for over 10 years and our bond is very strong.”
Horticultural company Montis Zuidplas focuses on the cultivation of high-quality seasonal plants, with quality as number 1. Montis' goal is to deliver the most beautiful product at the right time to their customers. With multiple locations in Moerkapelle and Waddinxveen, Montis supplies a wide range of plants that are tailored to every season of the year.
The Montis product line is very diverse and includes Myosotis Lovely Memories, Dianthus Love, Ranunculus Sprinkles, Campanula 'Addenda'®, Impatiens New Guinea, Portulaca Nano, Aster Showmaker, Helleborus Niger 'Christmas Carol'®, Helleborus Orientalis VIV and Poinsettia Pulcherrima Mars.
Montis Zuidplas has 3 different locations in Moerkapelle, which together cover 7 hectares. In addition, they also have a branch in Waddinxveen, which is 2 hectares in size.
The company is originally a family business, where sustainability, quality and technological innovation are important pillars. The company is also known for its automated greenhouses and efficient production systems. With this distinctive ability, they strive to exceed the wishes of their customers. Thanks to the use of modern technology and a close-knit team of 25 permanent employees and 10 students, Montis is able to continue to focus on growth and development in a continuously changing market.
Sustainability is also a spearhead within business operations, which is reflected in, among other things, the use of renewable energy and the reuse of water.
We are in the high-end segment and quality is our number 1 priority every day. We are continuously working to deliver the best product at the right time to our customers.”
Family business through and through
Niels van den Berg, the current Managing Director and the next generation in the horticultural family, has been active in the family business since 2011. Niels says: “Based on the rich history of my parents’ company, it is now up to me to set a new course and continue the business continuity of the family business. As an entrepreneur, I ensure that we proactively respond to changes in the market and create a culture that is future-proof. In addition, it is important to me that we continuously offer our team new growth opportunities and try to support each other by using each other’s strengths.”
Niels indicates that they, driven by passion and connectedness, strive for the optimal Montis experience for all their relations. As a high performance organization, the company strives daily to surprise their customers (wholesalers) with a unique and diverse assortment, tailored to the different seasonal patterns and the needs of the consumer (end customer). According to Niels, the strength of Montis lies in continuous innovation and dedication to a sustainable future, so that customers can continue to enjoy a beautiful and inspiring outdoor environment. Offering a unique customer experience is central to this, within a collaborative culture of connectedness and justice.
A good substrate is essential for making top quality potted plants. Potting soil can make or break the plant.
Cultivation
The young cuttings that are delivered to Montis are potted up immediately upon arrival. After this, they ensure that the pot is well-moistened and the plants are grown. Of course, the plants have to be moved a few times in the meantime. In the last place, the plants are grown and prepared for delivery.
Stef van der Salm, Cultivation Manager, started as a production employee in the greenhouse at Montis as a schoolboy and has seen the close-knit family business grow into a true entrepreneur over the years. Stef says: “Despite that growth, the company still feels like home to me. Within the organization, my focus is mainly on cultivation and the quality of our products. As location manager, I am ultimately responsible for the Hasseltweg location, where I manage the team and bear responsibility for the entire production. Quality, sustainability and flexibility are important values for me within the organization. Based on these core values, we strive to deliver the best products to our customers every season.”
Lensli thinks along carefully about all issues that arise.”
substrate
Niels has been working with Lensli as a substrate supplier for over 10 years and his father for a few years longer. Niels indicates that the bond with Lensli is very strong and that they are satisfied with the collaboration, because Lensli thinks along well about all the issues that arise. Every season they look at it together with their account manager Cock van der Spek what they can improve for the plant. The horticultural company is constantly looking for the optimal substrate for their plant, in which the impact on the environment also plays an important role.
Niels: “A good substrate is essential for making top quality potted plants. Potting soil can make or break the plant. In the winter months it is nice if the potting soil is a bit lighter and capillary, while in the summer months you want the soil to retain water well.”
Future
When we ask Niels about the future, he answers: “Daring to dream about the future continues to inspire you as an entrepreneur. You ask yourself what the ideal picture would look like. As previously described, as an organization we are continuously working on new developments and issues from society. Sustainability and process optimization are therefore prominently featured in our dreams for the future. It is important for us to be and remain innovative and quality-oriented and to continue to grow with our customers and chain partners.”
Locations:
Locations Montis Zuidplas
Harvest path 12-14, in Moerkapelle 3 hectares
Hasseltweg 13, in Moerkapelle 2.5 hectares
Bredeweg 32a, in Moerkapelle 1.5 hectares
VOF Montis van Dam
Abraham Kroesweg 6A, in Waddinxveen 2 hectares
Look for more information about Montis Zuidplas on their website.