Acquired by Lemken in 2018 to add hoeing technology to its product range, Dutch manufacturer Steketee has grown rapidly, benefiting from the global shift towards mechanical, camera-controlled weed control.
Lemken has therefore decided to invest 18 million euros in a new plant to be built at Dinteloord, in The Netherlands, not far from the current facility. The new plant, which will be connected to the Nieuw Prinsenland Agro Food Cluster, is scheduled to open its doors at the end of 2023 and will employ at least 30 additional members of staff.
“The world around us is changing fast,” Lemken’s managing director, Anthony van der Ley, said. “That’s why everybody involved in the production chain needs to work together to ensure sustainability in food production.
“Primary agriculture in particular plays a pioneering role here. New technologies open up a wide range of possibilities. For example, by switching to smart mechanical weed control we can apply crop care products more precisely and gradually reduce their use.
“That’s why we’ve been going full steam ahead with the development, production and sales of Steketee machines since 2018.”
Mr Van der Ley added that the company’s ambitions go beyond a simple expansion and modernisation.
“We want to invest significantly more in product development to build on Steketee’s position as an innovator, for example with the use of artificial intelligence.”
Nicola Lemken said the company placed great value not only on the company’s healthy growth, but also on good working conditions.
“We’re very pleased that we found a location nearby, so that all our employees can transfer to their new workplace without difficulty,” she added. “The attractive environment is also important for further recruiting requirements.
“In addition, we’ll combine the creative design of the new building with the opportunity to establish ourselves as an experienced and innovative partner for other companies, for universities and colleges, and to offer a springboard for students or start- ups.”
The managing director of Steketee, Iljan Schouten, said he was excited about the company’s future prospects.
“Just three years after the takeover of Steketee, we’re now taking a big step forward,” he added. “I’m very proud that Lemken trusts the Steketee brand and our team of young talents and experienced employees.
“We place great value on new technologies in both our factory and our end products. We want to create not only a state-of-the-art production facility, but also a development centre and an AgroForum as a source of inspiration and knowledge for our national and international customers.”
