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Innovation with a human face in floriculture
KP Holland is a floriculture company with a rich history of no less than 75 years. As a strong player in the breeding, propagation and marketing of high-quality plants, the company is known for its constant search for quality improvement. In an industry with high logistical pressure, standing still is not an option. However, at KP Holland, innovation always goes hand in hand with respect for the human factor. The vision is clear: technology should support people, not replace them. From this idea arose the cooperation with Prins Maasdijk for a groundbreaking automation project.
Work enrichment and the fight against physical strain
Within KP Holland’s daily operation, many repetitive and routine transportation tasks took place. Employees spent hours each day moving pallets and auction carts long distances around the greenhouse. This type of work is not only monotonous, but also physically demanding and taxing in the long run. Moreover, with the labor market increasingly tight, it became increasingly difficult to find personnel for these specific tasks. KP Holland was therefore looking for a way to automate these logistics flows to increase operational reliability and relieve the current team. The central question: how do we create a future-proof logistics system that preserves job satisfaction?
The Solution: The EP XP15 AGV, more than just a machine
In cooperation with Prins Maasdijk, KP Holland has taken the step to automation with the EP XP15. This Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) was introduced not simply as a machine, but as a new digital colleague named “Frits.
The technology behind “Frits” is as smart as it is reliable: the AGV navigates via special plates on the ceiling. As a result, it follows its routes between packing lines and buffer areas with extreme precision, without the need to adjust the shop floor. With a lifting capacity of 1,500 kg, it takes over the heavy, repetitive trips, bringing peace of mind to the logistics process.
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