Year-round high-quality tomatoes in an earthquake zone in Japan DENSO AgriTech Solutions, Japan About Michinoku Shirakawa Farm was realized in cooperation with joint venture DENSO AgriTech Solutions. This sustainable 2.3-hectare high-tech tomato greenhouse provides top-quality tomatoes year-round. In Shirakawa, Japan, winter temperatures drop below freezing while summers are hot and very humid. The use of air treatment addresses the challenges of the climate and ensures consistent production of top quality tomatoes. In addition to the climate, Japan is known for its high risk of earthquakes. For this reason, the construction has been reinforced compared to a standard Venlo greenhouse. This includes heavier profiling, extra suspensions and the use of specially designed washers for maximum reliability of the bolted connections in case of vibrations. The land for phase 2 has been developed, since the installations have already been prepared for possible expansion. For example, both the irrigation and heating systems have been laid out and calculated for the connection of a subsequent phase. Crop Tomatoes Location Shirakawa, Japan Size 2,3 hectare Type Traditional greenhouse Client DENSO AgriTech Solutions Unique results For every project, we give all we have. We think with you and we think ahead, because building greenhouses in challenging circumstances requires our expertise. We think of everything and that includes this project. That results in special highlights: Heating installation We designed the heating system on 6 locally supplied boilers with the option for a 7th connection. This provides the customer with heat for the current new building, future expansion or loading the heat storage tank. Through underlying flue gas condensers and collector, they also has access to CO2 dosing over both greenhouses. Water installation The water system is also fully prepared for connecting future expansion. Thus, we process the treated water from one of the two wells into suitable irrigation water for both greenhouses. The entire drip and drain system is tailored to the customer's crop. Computer installation The entire greenhouse, heating, water and electrical management is controlled from our PRIVA climate computer. Using the personalized software, the customer has a perfect starting point for optimal control of their cultivation. Insect netting All windows are fitted with insect netting, which seals off the greenhouse from free outside air. This minimizes the risk of unwanted pests flying in from outside. Automation The greenhouse is equipped with an automated Berg Hortimotive system. Through induction lines, the trolleys and carts move independently from the greenhouse to the processing area. In the processing area, the carts are automatically emptied into the Taks sorting line and packaged into finished products. Screening The greenhouse is equipped with two screen systems: one energy screen and one shade screen. The energy screen combined with the AVS units contribute to substantial energy savings in the greenhouse by allowing the energy screen to remain closed for longer periods of time. Interested? Do you also want to achieve a great result for your company? Simply contact us; our international team will be happy to help: +31 174 225080. Richard van der Sande Commercial Director