When we started out in 1984 our first order of business was to master the state-of-the-art achievements in hydroponics. We tried to be fast learners. We put the scientific method to work and searched for ways to increase efficiency. As our learning advanced it wasn't long before we saw ourselves emerging as industry leaders.
In recent years we have begun to create technology that can be transferred to others. Much of this has been embedded in silicon in the form of microprocessor programs that enable the grower to control greenhouse environments, nutrient solutions, vents and generators. We believe in local control with centralized collection of data for analysis and for handling alerts when some element of the control system detects a problem. In certain cases it may be possible for a grower to make a better decision than the algorithm contained in the microprocessor, but the microprocessor is collecting data continuously and making decisions on a 24-7 basis. By delegating all the simple decisions to microprocessors it is then possible for the grower to focus on the more difficult mid-term and long-term problems.
We have also begun to package some of our know-how into physical products and systems, including:
- a vent and associated control system which we think is more reliable and much safer because it operates up and down like a window instead of swinging in and out like a traditional greenhouse vent.
- the creation of individual greenhouses away from gutter-connected greenhouses because we believe isolating crops provides worthwhile protection from spreading diseases. To do this we have developed our own greenhouse design which turns out to be inexpensive to build. We have also developed materials-handling methods and tools that make up for the compactness that is a feature of gutter-connected greenhouses. In effect we now have the materials-handling advantages of gutter-connected greenhouses and the disease resistance of individual greenhouses.
- the development of a nutrient mixing system that produces accurate results at an affordable cost.
The focus of all our technology is to drive down the capital cost of creating growing space and the operating cost of using the growing space, while driving up the yield per square foot. This is perhaps why we are still in business while many other growers have come and gone. Our goal is to keep up-and-running so we can remain a reliable supplier of high-quality product.
If other growers want to learn about using some of our technology they are welcome to contact Bruce at (856) 451-3561, or by e-mail at bruce@arcgreenhouses.com. Be patient in getting a response since Bruce's main job is running ARC Greenhouses.
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ARC Greenhouses
P.O. Box 191
Shiloh, NJ 08353
(856) 451-3561
© Copyright 2001 by ARC Greenhouses