At this point in time, most growers are either using insect netting in their windows or are seriously considering it. For chrysanthemum growers in particular, accordion insect netting has become indispensable, and interest in the netting has spilled over into world of vegetable cultivation as well.
In recent years, new suppliers have joined the market, speeding up developments within the world of insect screens. One of the notable newcomers is Dutch Netting Systems, a company that has introduced accordion netting with its own distinctive approach and an interesting story.
That's the story Gerdo Wennekers regularly tells when he introduces growers to the insect netting system developed in De Lier. It revolves around the innovation that Dutch Netting Systems has implemented: a flatter corner in the system, enshrined in their own design, the CornerAir®.
© Dutch Netting System
Flatter angle
Here's a technical explanation: When an air window is closed with accordion mesh, the mesh slats stack up. For a typical 1.20-meter air vent, there are about 22 slats, but at the corners, where the mesh is doubled, the number increases to 44, according to Gerdo. "This can cause gaps to form, especially in larger vents, because there's too much mesh in one spot. Although sealing rubbers can help, they can't fix everything. So properly crafting the mesh for a flatter angle has become crucial, particularly for deep vents. You want to avoid gaps. Our CornerAir offers a solution to this problem."
Gerdo often uses "we," but here's the interesting backstory. "I'm not skilled in sewing, but my mother is," he says. She assisted in assembling the corner design they created. The first time, she used black yarn to fasten it so the people at the production site could easily see her method. In her honor, they named the product CornerAir, incorporating "Ria," his mother's name, into the word "Air."
© Dutch Netting System
Preparation in the factory
Dutch Netting Systems has been in business for a year and a half. The new company sees opportunities in both new and existing constructions, as well as in replacing mesh in older systems, whether it involves Venlo greenhouses, wide-span greenhouses, or foil greenhouses. While their main focus is currently on nearby markets, they have begun expanding beyond Europe. "We've already secured significant projects in countries like Norway, the United States, and Canada," says Gerdo. "The installation for the Canadian project is actively ongoing, handled by our customer there. We connected with Canada through a partner. Instead of supplying growers directly, we always collaborate with screen installers, greenhouse builders, or maintenance companies."
Several projects have already been completed in the Netherlands. A recent technical innovation was particularly helpful in one case. "A grower wanted the CornerAir system installed during winter, which posed a significant challenge for the installer," Gerdo explains. "There was snow on the roof, and it was quite cold, so the entire installation had to be done from indoors."
To speed up installations, Dutch Netting Systems now offers resellers the option of receiving fully assembled mesh cassettes from the factory, an idea that originated from a subcontractor. "This innovation is gaining traction in the insect mesh industry," Gerdo notes. The major benefit is significantly reduced installation time on-site. Typically, you would receive six separate profiles: three are clicked together on-site, three are screwed onto the greenhouse roof, and then the mesh is attached. We now complete this entire process in the factory. While this slightly increases transport volume, it saves a lot of time during the project itself."
© Dutch Netting System
Clamp bracket
Dutch Netting Systems has introduced a clamp bracket to securely attach guide pins to the roof rod. "This method is faster, more accurate, and results in a cleaner look," Gerdo explains.
© Eelkje Pulley | VerticalFarmDaily.com
Roos Keijzer, Gijs en Gerdo Wennekers
For more information:
Dutch Netting Systems
De Hondert Margen 23
2678 AC De Lier
+31 (0)174 79 40 10
info@dutchnettingsystems.com
gerdo@dutchnettingsystems.com
www.dutchnettingsystems.com