HortiQ Certified Quality System certificate

AVAG member Artechno has recently gained the right to display the HortiQ brand on its website. The company, located in Maasdijk, has successfully completed the procedure for the HortiQ Certified Quality System (BRL 8001). "We are noticing that international clients are increasingly asking for it," says operational process manager Remy Verkade of the company, which supplies vertical farming systems worldwide. This brings the total number of HortiQ-certified companies to 34.

The Certified Quality System is one of the two certification tracks offered by HortiQ. Companies with solid general quality policies can apply for this certification. For Artechno, achieving the certificate was not even the primary goal, explains Remy Verkade. "Artechno has grown very quickly, and that’s why we decided to reorganize the primary process and optimize the internal structure. Obtaining the HortiQ certificate is a nice side benefit and confirmation of our approach."

CEO Marco van der Velden emphasizes the importance of this operation: "This certificate is a great recognition of an intensive process. It represents the quality of both our organization and our processes. It is a positive signal that underscores what we stand for as a sector: quality and innovation. I urge other companies in the sector to also take advantage of these certification opportunities, if they haven't already. By working together and ensuring quality, we can strengthen each other and show the world what the Dutch sector stands for. This strengthens our position in the global market and provides a solid foundation for further growth."

Artechno is a solid company with broad expertise and qualified personnel, offering innovative solutions for greenhouse horticulture since its founding in 1988. In recent years, the company has become a global specialist in vertical farming: cultivation under controlled conditions without daylight. These systems are used worldwide, with a strong focus on markets in the Middle East, Canada, and the United States. Another key pillar of the company is AquaLeap's water systems, which provide innovative and circular technology for water purification.

"Strategically Chosen Focus Countries"

The systems are not only suitable for leafy crops, microgreens, and herbs but also for the cultivation of young plants, both vegetables and pot plants. Artechno focuses its vertical farming projects on strategically chosen focus countries, and this approach is proving successful. "Our broad orientation and the development of the young plant strategy show their success," says operational process manager Remy Verkade. "In addition to strong sales in the Middle East, where certification is increasingly a requirement, we are seeing growing interest in other markets such as Hungary and the Netherlands. This demand for certified systems confirms our role as a reliable partner within the sector."

"BRL 8001 Primarily Focused on Primary Process"

By choosing BRL 8001 certification, Artechno has consciously focused on optimizing the primary process. "BRL 8001 is primarily focused on the primary process. The certification provides excellent tools to ensure quality. The HortiQ quality handbook with all the requirements has been very helpful in this. Basically, we’ve documented what we do and then looked at how we could do things better," Verkade explains.

"Continuous Improvement for Growth and Quality"

Artechno has implemented several improvements recently in the way projects are managed and internally coordinated. "This mainly involved better aligning project requirements and ensuring consistent execution. We continuously work on improvements and foster a culture where this is central," says Verkade. "The goal is to consistently add value to our customers and the market through this approach."

Source: HortiQ