Glasbergen Greenhouses

 

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Company History

Glasbergen Greenhouses has been a family owned and operated business since the 1950's. It began with the vision of our parents and grandparents Pieter and Geertje Glasbergen in post war Europe.

In 1952 the decision was made to Immigrate from the Netherlands to start a new life here in Canada. This was not an easy decision for travel to and from Europe wasn't what it is today. Leaving meant that you might never see family or friends again, but nevertheless the decision was made. Pieter took on a number of jobs in the first years ranging from Atlas Steels to Ontario Hydro to working on the Prudhomme farm. It was through working in the area that in 1952 Pieter became aware of a farm on Foss Rd that was coming up for rent. Subsequently the farm was rented and Glasbergen Greenhouses began.

Pieter with the help of his seven children began working the fields as a part time income to supplement his day job. In 1955 struggles at the factory and a dream to become self-employed led him to leave his job to farm full time. The early crops consisted mostly of vegetables, Gladiolas and bedding plants.

In 1959-60 the family was able to buy the farm that we are still located at today. A number of wood frame greenhouses were built to start a bedding plant business. A decision was made to work towards starting a cut flower business and in 1962 Pieter's sons John and Peter Jr went to work for Vanballen greenhouses to learn the trade. They remained there for six years and returned in 1967 just in time to help with the erection of our first two glass houses in 1968. These houses are still in operation today and where joined by two more in 1969.

The marriage of John in 1969 facilitated a need for increased revenue. Rapid growth and many changes allowed for that in the 70's. The focus steered away from bedding plants and field crops and focused mostly on cut flowers, Chrysanthemums to be exact. Several expansion projects resulted throughout the decade and all of the old wood frame houses were torn down. Pieter's third son Andy returned to the business in 1978 after attending university. Multiple family members working in the business brought about a need to incorporate and this was done in 1980.

The 80's were also good years for growth within the business. Sons Peter Jr and Andy where married and in 1983 Pieter Sr decided to retire from full time work at the age of 68. Retire is a relative term however as Pieter could be seen in the greenhouse helping out and going to markets for many years to come. Due to an increased demand for cut flowers and stable prices two more expansion projects took place in those years. This brought our over all size to approx 100000 sq feet.

The 90's were the start of some difficult years. Increased competition with European, and South American imports led to a competitive market for cut flowers. Their low overhead costs and speedy delivery times made it tough to compete. Hard decisions in crop choices led to the gradual change from cut flowers to potted plants. Import laws and the sheer bulkiness of potted plants have leveled the playing field for us once again. Despite two fair size building projects the focus has switched from expansion to growth from within and automation. Many dollars have been spent in the past ten years automating existing systems and replacing others with newer up to date systems. Computer climate controls were added as well as irrigation equipment, and monorails.

The 90's also introduced the third generation of Glasbergens to work the business. First Philip started after completing high school in 1993 focusing mostly on crop and employee management. In 1998 Peter after working elsewhere for 11 years returned to the farm and has taken on the maintenance department.

Despite the challenges facing us, Glasbergen Greenhouses and its management remain a committed company striving to continue on for generations to come. Past history has shown our willingness and ability to change with the times to remain a company that is competitive and productive. We look forward to developing new relationships with suppliers and customers to help meet the challenges of the future.

John, Peter, Andy, Peter and Philip Glasbergen