At family-owned company Linflowers, it’s all about smart decision-making, delivering quality, and continuously improving processes. With multiple locations, a clear focus, and a strong vision on innovation, they were looking for a way to make their repacking process more efficient, less labor-intensive, and less prone to errors. Together with DERO GROEP, they found that solution.

Linflowers specializes in growing, packing, and transporting chrysanthemums to logistics hubs. It is a true family business, where father, son, uncle, and nephew are each responsible for their own location or part of the process.
In 2021, a new 7-hectare greenhouse was built in Nieuwaal under the leadership of Leendert van Tuijl. In total, the company operates 22 hectares and harvests around 400,000 stems per week. A small portion remains in the Netherlands, but most is exported to Eastern Europe.

From manual repacking to a smart automated process

A key step in the process is repacking chrysanthemums into boxes, which is done centrally for all locations. Previously, this process was fully manual. Employees had to lift and place sixteen bunches at a time into boxes. This was physically demanding and often led to inconsistencies, with flowers occasionally falling out of the boxes. Elastic bands were used to prevent this, but they could cause damage and create weak points in the flowers. The goal was clear: achieve a better product with a less labor-intensive process.

Enter DERO GROEP

During the search for a suitable automation solution, Linflowers turned to DERO GROEP. Another supplier had assessed the challenge but decided not to proceed. DERO GROEP, however, saw the opportunity.
According to Leendert, this is exactly where DERO GROEP’s strength lies: not just building a machine, but thoroughly understanding and designing the entire process, from concept and construction to installation and aftercare. What really stood out to us is how seriously DERO GROEP approached the project from the start. Everything was carefully thought through step by step. And even after delivery, they remain involved, which is quite rare.

Repacking flower robot at Linflowers

The implemented robotic solution delivers clear benefits on multiple levels.

The biggest gain is in labor savings. At the same time, product quality has improved significantly. With less manual handling, flowers are placed more consistently and carefully into boxes, reducing the risk of damage. The work has become less physically demanding and easier to perform, with far less manual lifting and correcting. The use of elastic bands is no longer necessary, eliminating the risk of breakpoints they previously caused.

A partnership that goes beyond delivery

Looking back, Leendert highlights not only the solution itself but especially the level of aftercare and collaboration throughout the project. During the design phase, there was plenty of room to collaborate and challenge ideas. Both sides contributed their knowledge and experience, continuously evaluating what made sense to automate and what didn’t. Throughout the project, there were frequent touchpoints to ensure the solution aligned with real-world conditions.
The project was delivered on schedule. Even when challenges arose, they were handled quickly and effectively.
“DERO GROEP doesn’t walk away after delivery. It’s that level of commitment and attention that really makes the difference.”

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