NL: Enza Zaden opens state-of-the-art R&D facility and new energy center

With the launch of a new expansion to its greenhouse in Enkhuizen, Enza Zaden takes a step forward in its innovation and sustainability ambitions. On June 5, the company launched its new facility, dubbed Dee Viate.

The 2-hectare expansion features a high-tech R&D greenhouse, a sustainable energy center, and a multifunctional facility building. This additional capacity supports the company's continued growth and enables Enza Zaden to meet the increasing global demand for high-quality vegetable seeds. The greenhouse is purpose-built for cucumber breeding, one of the company's key crops. The name Dee Viate comes from a trusted and efficient cucumber variety known for its reliability, productivity, and quality.

The opening of Dee Viate is a key milestone in the master plan for Enza Zaden's headquarters in Enkhuizen, a long-term vision focused on growth, innovation, and the sustainable development of the company's facilities.

"Dee Viate represents our future: smart, strong, and efficient - exactly what we aim to embody," says Andreas Sewing, Chief Scientific Officer. "With this high-tech and sustainable expansion, we're investing in our breeding capacity - especially for cucumber - and reinforcing our promise to customers: delivering the best genetics."

"Dee Viate is a great example of our ongoing investment in sustainable growth. We're giving shape to our ambitions while staying true to our mission," adds Dirk Neelis, CFO of Enza Zaden. "We're building a future-proof organization for our colleagues, supply chain partners, and future generations. It strengthens both our global infrastructure and our mission: Breeding to feed the world."

The 1-hectare greenhouse is fully focused on research and innovation. It includes several specialized departments equipped with advanced technologies such as high-performance LED lighting, dehumidification systems, and automated irrigation. The newly constructed energy center powers the entire expansion and will serve future developments on the site. Sustainable options such as geothermal energy, electric boilers, and heat pumps have been integrated into the design. The building features 936 solar panels, a rainwater recycling system, and charging stations for electric vehicles. Every element has been designed with sustainability and future growth in mind.

The adjacent facility building is fully multifunctional, offices, logistics, climate-controlled storage, changing rooms, a canteen, and a rooftop terrace - all within the phytosanitary zone, an area governed by strict hygiene standards to protect the cucumber plants from disease.