A modern production facility for crop care technology
The construction of the new LEMKEN Competence Center Crop Care in Dinteloord (near Rotterdam) in the Netherlands was ceremoniously launched in February 2023 with the symbolic first pile set by Nicola Lemken and Anthony van der Ley in the local polder soil.
Within a record-breaking nine months, i.e. as early as October 2023, the largest construction phase for the production department was put into operation and the first LEMKEN blue hoeing machines were delivered to customers. With the construction of the new factory, LEMKEN has fully integrated the hoeing technology it acquired from Steketee in 2018 into its own brand world.
In the months that followed, everything from the offices to the cafeteria and the façades were completed and occupied. The total investment at the site amounts to €30 million.
Uniform field emergence
Dinteloord specialises in the development and production of crop care technology. It will also be home to the Competence Center Crop Care for farmers, experts and universities, which will form part of the global network of LEMKEN sites. For this purpose, a sophisticated technical auditorium has been built next to the AgroForum exhibition area, where events and training courses can be held in an optimal environment.
The total area of the factory site is approx. 49,000 m², of which 11,800 m² is currently taken up by buildings. The production and storage area extends over 9,000 m², while the AgroForum offers 800 m² of space for showcasing products. When designing the new location, particular emphasis was placed on sustainability. The installed PV systems generate an output of 300 kWp and make a significant contribution to the energy supply for production. All other roofs are designed as green roofs to cool the offices. The office furniture was designed with recyclability and recycled materials in mind. Wooden beams were used for the entire building structure, creating a bright, natural working environment in both the AgroForum and the production halls.
A powerful partner
Production is divided into three areas: The manufacturing area includes the manufacture and preparation of parts for the paint line. The warehouse receives and stores pre-produced parts and components from suppliers. Assembly takes place in the pre-assembly and final assembly areas. The plant is set up for stationary assembly and currently has eight assembly stations, which can be expanded as required to accommodate larger machines. Free-floating cranes offer maximum flexibility. The final inspection with two fully equipped test stations ensures the quality and functionality of each machine before it leaves the factory.
„The new LEMKEN factory in Dinteloord stands for innovation, efficiency and sustainability in the agricultural machinery industry and will play a central role in meeting our customers’ future requirements. We are therefore very excited about its opening“
Nicola Lemken