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“Keeping the ground surfaces clean has always been a major challenge. We’re constantly looking for faster and more efficient ways to do it,” says Rodney Bierhuizen, co-owner of Sunrise Greenhouses in Canada. “Previously, we used brooms and pressure washers, but now a single person can manage the task alone.”
Rodney Bierhuizen was among the first growers in North America to implement the Terrazza Geotex PRO® for cleaning geotextile floors in greenhouses. After over a year of use, the machine has become fully integrated into the maintenance routine. It is deployed as a standard part of the crop turnover process, usually two to three times per year per site.
“We clean about 20,000 to 30,000 square feet per day,” Rodney explains. “It’s not just sweeping; we also remove weeds along the edges and disinfect surfaces. The quality is consistent every time. With a broom and pressure washer, results vary from person to person. The Geotex PRO ensures uniform results.”
Recurring challenge
Sunrise Greenhouses, based in the Niagara region, operates multiple locations, including three rental facilities and a home site with mobile benches. Maintaining geotextile surfaces has been a continuous challenge across these locations, totaling approximately 15 acres of production area.
The machine that helps them tackle this challenge is the Geotex PRO, developed by Belgian company Terrazza MC. The company specializes in innovative cleaning concepts using only water, eliminating the need for chemicals. In North America, the machine is distributed by AMA Horticulture Inc., a family-run supplier based in Kingsville, Ontario, serving professional horticulture since 1982.
The Geotex PRO cleans without high pressure or chemicals and can operate in both wet and dry modes. Sunrise uses the electric version indoors due to the absence of fumes. “It’s very simple to operate. Batteries are easy to install and brushes swap in seconds. We use three brushes: yellow to loosen debris, then disinfectant, and green for algae scrubbing.”
“Every cleaning cycle leaves the cloth completely clean,” Rodney adds. He emphasizes that the machine is also used outside traditional greenhouse floors. “We’ve even used it on loading docks. You start in one area and soon realize it works so well that you want to try it everywhere.”
Ecological approach
The Geotex PRO uses brushes instead of chemicals, high-pressure water, or heat. According to Dany Mestdag, CEO of Terrazza MC: “The Geotex PRO® operates 100% ecologically. No detergents or herbicides are used – only mechanical action with the right brush type. That makes it safe for plants, workers, and animals.”
Various brushes can be mounted, including the Terrazza Geo TECH® for geotextile, the Weedee® for weeds, and the Sweeper® and AXI® for more intensive cleaning. “After more than a year, we see only slight wear on the yellow brush. We expect two to three years of use per brush,” Rodney shares.
Local partnership
Sunrise’s adoption of the Geotex PRO was facilitated by AMA Horticulture, a well-established supplier in Leamington, Ontario. AMA already supplies other products to Sunrise, such as Ellepots, making it a logical step to also obtain the cleaning system through them. “They aren’t right next door, but by Canadian standards, they’re practically nearby,” Rodney notes.
The collaboration between Terrazza MC and AMA Horticulture is based on shared values of sustainability and quality. This allows Canadian growers to access European machines that meet modern horticultural sustainability requirements. “Thanks to AMA’s extensive distribution network, our machines are now reaching greenhouses, nurseries, and landscaping businesses across Canada and the U.S. Growers have access to high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning machines that improve efficiency without harming the environment,” says Dany Mestdag.
“We designed the Geotex PRO for growers who need consistent cleaning results without compromising environmental safety. The low brush rotation combined with controlled vertical pressure provides effective yet gentle cleaning.”
Efficiency through automation
Labor remains a major challenge in horticulture, and Sunrise has taken steps to alleviate this pressure. “We no longer have to send people out to scrub floors with a broom. It’s hard to find people willing to do that kind of work,” Rodney says.
Automation is a larger theme at Sunrise. With tighter labor markets and larger production areas per grower, mechanization is a priority. “We’re not trying to replace the grower, we’re trying to expand their capabilities. Thirty years ago, a grower might manage 30,000 square feet; now it’s 200,000.”
In addition to the Geotex PRO, Sunrise uses an ISO-TTA sticking robot, in-house packaging equipment by Bold Robotics, and is developing a multifunctional grower boom. The goal is to support growers in managing larger areas efficiently.
Expanding product portfolio
Although the Geotex PRO is already active in North America, Terrazza MC is preparing the next step. “We’re introducing the Greeny PRO® to North America at Cultivate 2025,” says Dany. The Greeny PRO is designed specifically for nursery table cleaning and drew interest at GreenTech Amsterdam.
This launch is part of Terrazza MC’s strategy to expand their specialized cleaning technology portfolio for horticultural applications. “Our machines are purpose-built for horticultural surfaces – container fields, geotextile floors, concrete alleys, and now nursery tables. Each surface requires a different brush configuration and mechanical approach.”
Cultivate 2025
AMA Horticulture and Terrazza MC will be present at Cultivate 2025, offering hands-on demonstrations of the Geotex PRO and Greeny PRO. Growers can see the machines in action and discuss practical applications. For anyone looking to maintain geotextile, remove algae, or improve sanitation consistency, AMA and Terrazza MC will be available at the event or through their distribution networks.
