Nunhems celebrates the 90th anniversary of its headquarters in Haelen, The Netherlands, at its premises. On this occasion, the Governor of the Queen of the Province of Limburg, L.J.P.M Frissen will inaugurate two new facilities: a new seed processing warehouse and a new greenhouse for breeding,  phytopathology and biotechnology; representing an investment of approximately 6 million Euros.

“With the inauguration of these new facilities we invest in our future business in order to continue as market leaders in product and innovation. We see our strength in building and cultivating reliable and trustful relationships with our customers and consequently, we are close to our customers’ needs”, says Douwe Zijp, Chief Executive Officer of Nunhems BV.

The investment is a result of the strategy of worldwide growth through a balance of centralisation and decentralisation. Breeding activities are in proximity of growers, trade and developments, while logistical activities are centralised in three locations around the world.

Based on actual growth, as well as expected growth, an ultra modern center for sophisticated seed treatments and processing has been acheived. In the new Hal of 5.000 m² Nunhems improves its seeds through the latest technologies: quality cleaning, quality enhancement, priming, coating and desinfection, pelleting and seed storage under optimal conditions.

In the new research greenhouse of 16.000 m^2, Nunhems concentrates its resistance breeding activities for North-West European crops such as carrot, leek, and cucumber as well as supporting the breeding work for other Nunhems locations in the world. Extensive facilities with growing rooms and climatic chambers have been created for phytopathology and biotechnologial research.

The research department Phytopathology, supports Nunhems breeding globally by developing test methods for diseases and plagues, which plant breeders can use to test their new material on resistance levels. Next to this, it supplies services for both Nunhems Breeding and Sales for disease identification in greenhouse and outdoor crops. Additionally it supports routine disease tests as required for variety registration.

“The new breeding greenhouse supports our focus on healthy food through healthy vegetables. We invest heavily in breeding programs focused on resistances against plagues and diseases, but also via our seed technological research for seed treatments as an alternative to field treatments. In our focus on product innovation in addition to production innovation, we participate in knowledge platforms and projects for  healthy food such as the dutch Innovatiecentrum Gezonde Voeding’, says Dr. Orlando de Ponti, directeur R&D.

Nunhems with annual sales of EUR 180 million, is one the world’s leading innovative enterprises in Research, Breeding, Production, Marketing and Sales of vegetables genetics and services for the professional vegetable production and distribution business. With a staff of more than 1,100 Nunhems is among the top four in the world. Nunhems has locations in more than 20 countries and dedicated research, breeding and sales teams are active in more than 35 countries in Europe, America, Middle East, Africa and Asia/Pacific.

Nunhems applies up-to-date research and breeding technologies, including biotechnology, marker technology and seed technology in 28 vegetable crops. Nunhems' principal products are vegetable varieties for commercial outdoor and greenhouse growers, plantraisers, vegetable processing industry and the vegetable distribution chain. Nunhems develops varieties with a significant contribution to the vegetable value chain, satisfying directly or indirectly, the consumer's need for quality, nutrition and health.