LionStar

LionStar (Chrywijk) & Stolze – Building a Future‑Proof Greenhouse Together

When you enter the Chrywijk nursery grounds in Brakel, everything initially appears to align with the familiar image of a traditional growing facility. The existing greenhouses reflect experience and craftsmanship. Walking further toward the back of the site, however, reveals where true innovation is taking shape.

A new 5‑hectare greenhouse is being constructed, offering a total cultivation area of 7.9 hectares due to the inclusion of a double growing layer across half of the greenhouse. The project is being developed on behalf of LionStar in collaboration with Chrywijk, with the shared ambition of creating a cultivation facility ready for the future.

LionStar works closely with Stolze on the technical execution of the project. This collaboration is not approached as a distant client–supplier relationship, but as an active partnership throughout the entire process. Chrywijk is known for its strong, forward‑thinking ideas and its preference for long‑lasting solutions rather than relying on traditional approaches. LionStar aims to carry that mindset into their partnership, which naturally requires technical partners who look beyond standard solutions. From the earliest discussions, Stolze contributed by considering the central control of the greenhouse, the configuration of the water technology, the integration with the Priva computer, and the sustainable and future‑oriented decisions required for the long term. Every choice was thoroughly substantiated, calculated and aligned with future operational needs.

In the new greenhouse, all processes will be centrally controlled through a Priva climate computer. Water, energy and climate come together within one integrated operating system, resulting in a reliable and transparent environment. For LionStar, this centralisation creates greater peace of mind in daily operations and ensures maximum control over cultivation.

Innovation is a shared ambition for LionStar. The new greenhouse will no longer rely on soil‑based cultivation but will use rolling tables placed in growing containers. This cultivation system, developed by LionStar and Chrywijk, incorporates reinforced structures that can support the weight of the rolling tables. Stolze supported the development by providing the necessary technical framework. Throughout the project, the guiding principle was clear: not repeating what worked in the past, but building what will be required for the future.

Trust plays an essential role in the collaboration. LionStar and Chrywijk have worked with Stolze for many years and know the organisation well. This long‑standing relationship has allowed for open and honest communication. As Lies van Wijk of Chrywijk explains, “We sometimes have tough discussions, but in the end we always arrive at the best solution together.” This openness has made it possible to translate innovative ideas into practical, reliable solutions.

With the new greenhouse, LionStar will be able to double its production capacity. The flowers will be distributed to markets throughout Europe and Eastern Europe. The centrally controlled greenhouse, the modern water technology and the sustainable design ensure that LionStar is ready for further growth. Stolze will remain closely involved as the technical partner who continues to think along, look ahead and help build the future of the nursery.