UK - Springfield Spray
Springfield Llandow Ltd., based in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, is one of Priva’s longest standing customers with a track record of almost 40 years supplying to most major multiples. With the Priva Intégro process computer, Springfield has been able to cement its place as one of the UK’s key growers and now looks to transform its energy consumption and efficiency.
Springfield Llandow Ltd.
Springfield Llandow Ltd. was originally built in 1970 and, over the past four decades, has grown from a small nursery to one of the largest pot chrysanthemum, or pot ‘mums suppliers in the UK. The nursery comprises of an ultra-modern glasshouse, split into a 20,000m2 mobile bench growing area and a smaller 4,000m2 floor coverage section. From this 24,000m2 facility, Springfield produces up to 35,000 plants per week, all year round, supplying to major multiple retailers.
Key components of climate control
Since the company was formed, Springfield has used Priva systems, from an early data logging system in 1970 to the full Priva Intégro process computer that is currently controlling the glasshouse’s complex climate. “Priva products have been the key component of climate control at Springfield for nearly 40 years now” said Managing Director John Hawking. “As time has gone on, we have gradually upgraded our systems until five years ago when we installed the Priva Intégro – since then, we have never looked back.”
Saving money and energy
The Priva Intégro process computer controls everything within the large glasshouse facility, from electronic temperature gauges and humidity to carbon dioxide measurement and control. “The Intégro is a superb management tool which gives us comprehensive control of the entire plot. The humidity control element is truly vital to our operation – pot ‘mums need very specific humidity levels and a large amount of energy, and the Priva Intégro process computer manages these factors down to the smallest degree,” explains Hawking. He added: “The Intégro system has also been instrumental in enabling us to completely renovate our boiler system, which in the long run will save a great deal of money and energy.”
Environmental Benefits
Until this year, the heating system at Springfield has run on two oil burners, consuming around 800,000 a year. The new 3,516kw boiler, which will be installed and integrated directly into the existing Priva Intégro process computer, will allow Springfield to use 15% less fuel per year. Hawking said: “The initial capital expenditure of the new boiler is high, but it will not be long before we recoup that expenditure purely on the energy saved with the new boiler linked into the Intégro system – a combination which will also have obvious environmental benefits. “Having a system that is completely attuned to the climatic requirements of the nursery, and will easily accommodate any new technology and equipment, is a real bonus.”
