Commercial Designs

Commercial Hydroponic Systems

   

NFT Group and Sutol AP have a wealth of experience in designing Commercial hydroponic systems.  The business was formed by joining together a number of well established hydroponic and horticultural companies that have a well established presence in both New Zealand and overseas markets.  NFT Group and Sutol AP continues to provided high quality service, systems and supplies to commercial growers in New Zealand and throughout the world. 

Our company has extensive experience in the successful design and installation of commercial hydroponic systems in New Zealand the Pacific Islands, Central America, South East Asia, The Middle East and beyond.  We use proven methods to assess local site conditions in order to advise on a range of variables such as water quality, plant nutrition and optimal growing system design to ensure thriving plant growth.  View a sample of commercial systems that Sutol has assisted.

We can provide testimonials from satisfied clients who are now successfully growing a diverse range of crops from lettuces to flowers.

Over the past two decades, we have formed strong supply relationships with major companies from greenhouse manufacturers to chemical suppliers. The continual development of these partnerships has been a key factor in our ability to deliver the complete solution.

We can provide design assistance for growers looking to start a new commercial hydroponic farm or extend their existing one.

Our main strength is turn key systems. When a grower has good control over their growing environment and water supply, and they have a well designed hydroponic system in which to grow their crop all they need to do is practice a good growing technique to produce high quality crops.

For new projects NFT Group and Sutol AP prefers to be able to supply the full solution in terms of:

• Greenhouse selection
• Greenhouse accessories
• Environmental control equipment
• Hydroponic system supply
• Ongoing consumables
• Seed selection
• Growing advise

If all these areas are covered then a grower can be assured they have been set up to be in a winning position.

1.  The Design Process

When a grower approaches showing an interest in commercial hydroponic growing, they would have usually already have conducted some market research to determine what type of produce their local markets are demanding, and an idea of what volumes are being demanded.

A series of steps are then followed:

2.  Growing System Selection.

A grower specifies the type of crop they are interested in growing and the volume of produce they will need to produce for their market. A Hydroponic system type is then recommended for producing that particular crop variety.

3.  Greenhouse and Site selection.
If land is already available we match up a suitable greenhouse module that is sized to be able to accommodate either the full use of the land available or the greenhouse is sized to accommodate the plant numbers a grower wishes to produce in their hydroponic system. The greenhouse is specifically tailored for the growers climate. In sites where there are high levels of humidity, a good roof venting system is provided, with roll up side walls and re-circulating fans to promote good air movement and air exchange. In areas where there is intense sunlight the option of a retractable shade screens is recommended. For growers in cold climates the use of thermal screens and twin skin greenhouse walls helps to reduce winter heating costs. Growers are also welcome to source their own greenhouse and allow NFT Group or Sutol AP to design a system to maximize the use of the available floor space and recommend ways to enhance the growing environment

4.  Quotation Process.
Once a greenhouse design is agreed upon the selected hydroponic system is then sized to suit the floor plan and yield requirements. Growers are then presented with a full Supply Proposal document that details everything included in the system price such as pump room, control equipment, growing system, water treatment and greenhouse. A consumables estimate is then included to show growers the types and values of the consumables they are likely to consume in the first 6 months of growing. This information, combined with a yield estimate for the system can then be used by the grower to forecast cashflows for their market. The System design can then be adjusted to accommodate whatever budget the grower feels they need to work to. 

5.  Manufacturing.
The Supply Proposal is approved and the system design is then send to the manufacturing department where is built and packed for shipping.

6.  Installation.
We are able to provide an on site supervisor to oversee the installation of the hydroponic system once the greenhouse has been installed. A training session is then conducted to familiarize the grower with the various pieces of control equipment and system functions.

7.  Ongoing support and advice
Can then be provided by our staff for the grower over the phone or internet followed up by regular site visits when a representative is in the area.

If you would like to contact our sales team to discuss design assistance for your commercial hydroponic crop please email or phone us.