 Illington is 21st Century
Our commitment to the health and future of the UK Horticulture Industry
means keeping up with competition from the UK and abroad and raising
standards. Antiquated nursery sites prolong antiquated methods.
This new site is an essential tool for meeting the demands of the 21st century.
Using the most cost effective methods we produce strong, bushy,
high spec. plants which are pest and disease free. We identified 3 key problem areas:
land, water and staff, and we solved them. Land: 11 acres ( 5 hectares) now developed with 70 acres (30 hectares) available room for proper spacing to produce bushy plants. This greenfield site lends itself well to efficient mechanisation. Site conditions for plant growth, an open site and undulating land gives constant air movement, ideal for healthy production of many plants especially Hebes.
Water: 500 million gallon reservoir storing water from winter abstraction. A drainage system for efficient recycling has been installed for future development.
Staff: excellent, experienced and adaptable team of production workers complemented by seasonal workers which are readily available in this agricultural based region. By the use of highly efficient potting methods and by increasing the bark
content we have succeeded in reducing peat use by up to 25% |
| Illington timetable- October 2002 final site inspection before decision
- March 2003, race begins to make site ready for first plants. Site to be ready for potting to begin first week May 2003
- Multispan 1 erected April 2003
- 16 beds formed each holding 12,000 2/3L pots
- First week May 2003, potting begins at 12,000 2 & 3L pots a day with use of conveyors to reduce handling and increase speed
- 250,000 plants potted in 20 days
- First plants ready and dispatched July 2003
- Central roadway laid October 2003 with integral drainage for recycling
- Multispan 2 erected November 2003
- Multispan 3 erected May 2004
- 14 beds formed each holding 12,000 2/3L pots
- New mobile potting machine 2 people on machine,
2 people standing down
1 supervisor,
20,000 plants per day with 5 operators - 500,000 plants potted in 25 days
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