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Innovation with a Human Touch in Floriculture
KP Holland is a floriculture company with a proud 75-year heritage. As a leading specialist in the breeding, propagation and distribution of high-quality plants, the company is renowned for its continuous pursuit of quality improvement. In an industry where logistical demands are high, standing still is not an option. At KP Holland, however, innovation always goes hand in hand with a strong focus on people. Their vision is clear: technology should support employees, not replace them. It was this philosophy that led to a pioneering automation project in partnership with Prins Maasdijk.
Enhancing Jobs and Reducing Physical Strain
Many of the transport tasks within KP Holland’s daily operations were repetitive and routine in nature. Employees spent hours each day moving pallets and auction trolleys over long distances throughout the greenhouse. This type of work is not only monotonous but can also be physically demanding over time. At the same time, labour shortages have made it increasingly difficult to recruit staff for these tasks.
KP Holland therefore sought a way to automate these internal logistics flows, improving operational reliability while easing the workload on existing employees. The key question was: how can we create a future-proof logistics operation while maintaining job satisfaction and employee engagement?
The Solution: The EP XP15 AGV – More Than Just a Machine
In partnership with Prins Maasdijk, KP Holland took the next step towards automation with the EP XP15 AGV. Rather than introducing it simply as a machine, the company welcomed it as a new digital colleague named Frits.
The technology behind Frits is both intelligent and reliable. The AGV navigates using ceiling-mounted guidance markers, enabling it to follow its routes between packing lines and buffer areas with exceptional precision. Because no modifications to the existing floor layout are required, implementation is straightforward and minimally disruptive.
With a lifting capacity of 1,500 kg, Frits takes over the heavy and repetitive transport movements, creating a smoother, more efficient and more predictable logistics operation.
Safety is ensured here by advanced sensors that recognize obstacles instantly, allowing man and machine to work together safely in the same space. Thanks to the efficient Lithium-ion battery, ‘Frits’ can be recharged during natural moments of rest in the process, so it is always ready when the pressure in the greenhouse increases.
The Impact: Craftsmanship central through smart automation
The success of this project at KP Holland lies not only in the advanced software, but especially in the acceptance by the team. René van den Bos of KP Holland emphasizes that the arrival of ‘Frits’ has significantly increased work comfort. Because the robot takes over the heavy lugging and monotonous meters, employees experience less physical fatigue at the end of the day. This creates room for job enrichment: staff can now focus on tasks that require more skill and attention. As a result, automation has become not a threat, but a strategic means of increasing the quality of work.
Why Prince Maasdijk? The role of the continuity director
For a robotic solution to be successful, the integration must be flawless. Rick van Paassen of Prins Maasdijk explains that automation is not an “off-the-shelf” product, but an intensive process. In this project, Prins Maasdijk acted as consultant and system integrator. From mapping the ideal driving routes to coordinating the safety protocols and final programming; Prins took complete control. Thanks to years of experience in greenhouse construction, Prins Maasdijk understands the unique challenges of a greenhouse like no other. The result at KP Holland is a proven case where modern technology and 75 years of floriculture history come together in an efficient, future-proof solution.
Is your logistics ready for a “new colleague” yet?
The implementation at KP Holland proves that automation delivers immediate returns in job satisfaction and operational reliability. Are you curious whether the EP XP15 AGV can also make the difference within your working environment? Our specialists will gladly work with you to find a customized solution that fits your specific processes.
Request a free Quickscan or Download the technical specifications of the XP15