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
