Smart alternative for hanging gutter system in lightweight greenhouses

At cucumber nursery Van Der Waal in Zevenhuizen, The Netherlands, Metazet recently installed a new solution that enables the use of an efficient gutter system in a lighter greenhouse structure. Since the greenhouse was not strong enough to support a traditional hanging gutter system, Metazet, in collaboration with the customer, devised a practical alternative: special supports that carry the system without requiring modifications to the greenhouse structure.

Cost-saving Alternative
Typically, a grower in such a situation would have to reinforce the greenhouse structure, which requires a significant investment. With these innovative supports, that is no longer necessary. They provide stable support for the gutters without adding extra load to the greenhouse itself. This system offers growers an affordable and efficient way to still make use of a gutter system.

“At Metazet, we always consider the customer’s specific situation. In this case, a standard solution was not possible, so we worked together to develop a well-functioning system where stability and easy cleaning were key priorities. Naturally, cost was also taken into account, and we have developed a highly practical support,” says Fred Odenkirchen, account manager at Metazet.

Benefits of this system

• Suitable for lightweight greenhouses – Thanks to the special supports, no additional reinforcement of the greenhouse structure is required.
• Cost savings – A budget-friendly alternative to fully strengthening the greenhouse.
• Easy cleaning during crop change – The supports can be removed while the (empty) gutters remain suspended in the hanger, which also supports the growing tube, allowing for easy cleaning and re-covering of the cultivation floor.

Implementation at Van Der Waal Cucumber Nursery and Fitterstee Growers
This solution has already been successfully installed on 8 hectares at Van Der Waal, with very positive initial experiences. At Fitterstee Growers, we have also implemented this solution in a 1-hectare project.

Metazet has developed the system entirely in-house. The supports and suspension materials for the growing tube are custom-made, with engineers ensuring precise calculations and seamless execution. This results in a solution that is not only practical and efficient but also perfectly tailored to the grower’s specific needs.

Metazet Thinks Along with the Grower
This innovation is a great example of how Metazet collaborates with growers to find customized solutions. The company does not only supply standard products but is known for its problem-solving approach. Or as Metazet itself puts it: “We sit on the heating pipe with the grower,” referring to the close collaboration with the grower to achieve the best solution.

With this new application, Metazet offers growers a practical way to maximize the use of their greenhouse without unnecessary costs or modifications to the greenhouse structure.

Want to learn more about this solution? Contact Metazet and discover how we can also prepare your greenhouse for efficient and cost-saving cultivation.