Flier Systems

This interview details Flier Systems, an indoor farming technology company based in the Netherlands. The interview is with Adrie van Diemen, Commercial technical advisor/sales engineer at Flier Systems.

‍

‍

What is the origin story of Flier Systems?

‍

It takes a lot to become a horticulture expert. Knowledge, too, requires time to germinate, take root, and grow. Accordingly, Flier Systems' expertise did not come about overnight. We have had a close relationship with horticulture since 1931. Quite literally, our first branch in Barendrecht was located a stone's throw away from local nurseries.

‍

‍

Flier Systems started in 1931 as a smithy in Barendrecht. When Berend Flier took over in 1948, he developed the first soil-blocking machine, laying the foundation for a long line of innovations. Berend devised and built a range of straightforward tools that enabled local growers to work easier, better, and more efficiently. A lot has changed since then, but not all. Flier Systems management is now in its third generation, but we continue to develop technological innovations and improvements day in, and day out.

‍

In 2021 and 2022, we took the next big steps by opening offices in respectively China and the USA. By opening these offices, we strive to even better serve our customers and expand our horizons.

‍

‍

What are some of the biggest challenges facing Flier Systems in the future? 

‍

Scientists predict that by 2050 the world's population will have increased to 9 billion. To feed this large number of people, the production of food needs to be doubled. However, due to climate change, there is less and less agricultural land available. Meaning that a higher yield per square meter is needed. There is a proven relationship between a high-quality young plant and a higher yield. Therefore, efficiency and quality improvement in propagation are more important than ever.

‍

One of our biggest challenges is how we can contribute to the solution to this growing world food problem. We believe it is important that all people should have access to sufficient and healthy food. This is why we support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 2: "Zero Hunger".

‍

Flier Systems (currently) contributes by bringing knowledge, expertise, and proven technology in the field of mechanization, automation, and efficiency to ambitious horticultural entrepreneurs. This enables them to produce better and safer foods and subsequently become better suppliers for their customers. Making sure that eventually, all people will have access to sufficient, safe, and healthy food. 

‍

‍

What is unique about Flier Systems compared to competitors? 

‍

Since 1931, Flier Systems has been specializing in mechanization and automation solutions in the processing area of the professional young plant grower. We are continuously striving to develop smarter, end-to-end solutions and improve our clients’ results.

‍

Our biggest strength is the ability to really grasp what our customers need. We will not simply provide you with what you asked for, we will provide you with what you actually need. And beware, this can be different from what you initially asked for!

‍

We possess this ability because of our years of experience in horticulture, strategic collaborations with other top-of-the-market specialists, and our loyal employees. But most importantly, we do this because of our passion for young plant automation, it’s part of our DNA!

‍

‍

What are some other relevant metrics of the company (growing area size, production quantity, team size, etc.)?

‍

The headquarters of Flier Systems is located in Barendrecht, the Netherlands, and combined with the China and USA offices, our team size is about 90 employees. We serve a wide range of (young plant) growers in over 80 countries and 5 continents. Our customers are (mainly) active within the cultivation domains of warm and cold vegetables, hydroponics/CEA, floriculture, trees, and succulents. Our most frequent projects are sowing lines, soil-blocking lines, stone wool lines, and internal transport.

‍

‍

What are some goals in 2024 and beyond for Flier Systems?

‍

Our main goal for 2024 is to profile ourselves even more within the (US) hydroponics/CEA market, as it is one of the fastest-growing markets with a lot of potential. Our already extensive product/solution portfolio is a good fit with what hydroponic/CEA growers need. As the projects we already did in this market show.

‍

Furthermore, another big theme is food safety. As mentioned before, the world food problem is urgent and food safety plays a big role. In the upcoming years, we will focus on making our machines more compatible with food safety norms and keep innovating on how we can help our customers grow safer and better food.

‍

‍

How can people connect with you or learn more about Flier Systems?

‍

For weekly updates and insights on our newest innovations, solutions, current projects, and more, people can connect with us on LinkedIn (Flier Systems & Flier Systems USA). You can also find us on Instagram (@fliersystemsbv) and X (@fliersytems) and you can find video content of our solutions on our Vimeo and YouTube channels.

‍

Furthermore, you can find extensive information about our solutions, innovations, and more on our website (www.fliersystems.com), where you can also find the option to subscribe to our newsletter. For direct contact, you can send an email to info@fliersystems.nl or call +31(0)180 615 055.

‍

‍

‍