Vreugdenhil‑Klugt Bedrijven and Stolze on Collaboration and Execution

A long-standing partnership as the foundation for a complex project

Anyone visiting the locations of Vreugdenhil‑Klugt Bedrijven (VKB) will immediately notice that no two greenhouses are the same. Eight locations, different crops – ranging from the propagation of warm vegetable plants to ornamental horticulture — all with diverse installations and a planning that is constantly changing.
It is precisely within this context that VKB has been working with Stolze for many years as its regular partner for electrical engineering, water technology and grow lighting. This established relationship formed the basis for one of the most extensive projects in recent years: the transition from SON‑T to LED lighting across six locations, together covering approximately 46 hectares.

Careful preparation, one shared course

The transition to LED was not a quick decision. In 2022, VKB started pilot compartments to gain experience with LED lighting and its effects on the various crops. New steps were taken, with Stolze becoming increasingly involved throughout the process.
At one of the Bleiswijk locations, a test area was set up together with Stolze and Signify. The results of these practical trials contributed to the decision to choose a four‑channel, steerable LED luminaire from Signify.

This phase proved decisive for the next steps. Not only was the choice of luminaires defined, but so was the division of roles. Stolze took the lead in engineering, planning and execution, always with attention to the daily reality inside the greenhouse.

Engineering and execution under changing conditions

Preparations began a year prior to delivery. During this period, plans were developed for six locations, each with its own technical conditions and cultivation schedules. The execution itself took approximately five months and was carried out while cultivation continued.

Planning changed frequently. Stolze played a coordinating role, maintaining oversight of people, resources and timing. This made it possible to switch quickly between locations without losing the overall picture.

“Stolze helped us piece the puzzle together. The planning changed continuously, but by working closely together it remained manageable.”
Henk Koenen, Manager Projects & Energy – VKB

One point of contact, multiple disciplines

In addition to lighting, the project also included the conversion of two climate computers to Priva systems. As Stolze is a certified Priva dealer, the scope of work was expanded and a clear structure with one technical point of contact was created.
The handover between the various project phases was carried out by fixed teams, ensuring that knowledge was retained and decisions were well substantiated.

Execution was also carried out with regular subcontractors who were familiar with VKB’s way of working and hygiene protocols. This created calm on the work floor and predictability in progress. Should unforeseen issues arise, Stolze, the client and the subcontractors were able to respond quickly and effectively.

A collaboration that continues after delivery

After completion of the project, Stolze remains involved with VKB for service and maintenance, covering lighting as well as electrical engineering, water technology and climate control. The intensive project phase further strengthened the collaboration and ensured short lines of communication for the future.

Result: control over technology in a complex environment

The strength of this project lay not only in the chosen technology, but above all in the way the parties worked together. By testing early, making joint decisions and dealing flexibly with a changing planning, a large‑scale conversion was realised within a limited timeframe.

For Vreugdenhil‑Klugt Bedrijven, this resulted in control over lighting, climate and planning. For Stolze, the project confirmed its role as a technical partner that thinks along, looks ahead and takes responsibility, from the first test to daily practice.