Shawn Brown, President and CEO of LLK Greenhouse Solutions, underscores the pivotal factors influencing the decision between building a new greenhouse or upgrading an existing one: greenhouse environment, timing, and cost. In this Greenhouse Grower article, Brown emphasizes that prolonged downtime, especially during a lengthy growing season, may not be feasible for some growers. However, renovation offers a cost-effective alternative, particularly if the existing structure has a solid foundation and bypasses the need for navigating permits and building codes associated with new construction.
Before embarking on any renovation or construction project, Brown advises growers to define their long-term goals for their greenhouse environment.
Addressing specific needs such as heating, ventilation, or lighting may require a tailored approach that renovation alone cannot fulfill. Notably, LLK’s collaboration with Maria Gardens Greenhouses in Ohio exemplifies a dual strategy of renovation and new construction, reflecting a trend among growers aiming to optimize their operations through both approaches.
Looking forward, Brown highlights key industry shifts, including heightened insurance requirements tied to building and engineering codes and the emergence of a data-driven approach to greenhouse management among the next generation of growers, signaling a need for adaptability and strategic planning in greenhouse upgrades.
