Hamill APS

This interview details Hamill APS, an Agricultural Processing Solutions company based in Canada. The interview is with Robert Benner, CEO of Hamill APS.

Source: Hamill APS

What is the origin story of Hamill APS? 

We started as a machine shop in 1948 in Niagara Falls, Canada. In 2015, we were approached by a local greenhouse grower who wanted to automate the process of harvesting microgreens.

Throughout the process, we realized how much of a need there was for harvesting equipment and how crucial it was for growers to optimize their farms. We opened a division of Hamill in 2018 called Hamill Agricultural Processing Equipment (Hamill APS) to service the agricultural sector. Since that first harvester, we have designed and built machines that can harvest trays from twelve inches to sixty inches wide and in a variety of growing conditions. Collaborating directly with growers and developers, we provide solutions that fit their unique harvesting needs.

Source: Hamill APS

As with many emerging markets, processing equipment can be difficult to find, and we also saw a need for other processing equipment. We now have a full line of post-harvesting equipment including a root cutter, tray flipper, conveyors, and tray and bin washers. We also design and build the Electrical panels and have them certified to ship worldwide. This technology allows our customers fully integrate our equipment into their current processes. We take pride in purchasing all our equipment components onshore as well as manufacturing in Niagara Falls. We have completed many workshops, tradeshows, and summits to ensure we are up to date with the newest technology and standards. 

Source: Hamill APS

What are some of the biggest challenges facing Hamill APS in the future?

The Indoor Farming Industry has had serious challenges in becoming profitable and new companies have faced funding challenges, delays, and bankruptcy. Our challenge is to grow with the industry as it matures as well as find solutions that work for small and large farms while still staying afloat when delays come into play. We have also had to deal with rising interest costs and inflation. 

Source: Hamill APS

What is unique about Hamill APS compared to competitors?

What makes Hamill APS unique is our harvester! We also recognize that each farm has its own way of growing products, and so we pride ourselves on being adaptable. We can customize and modify our equipment to meet the specific needs of each farm. In the industry, we have learned that many farms require modifications or integration into pre-existing equipment, and we have the skills and knowledge to do this with our team. Another unique feature is our cutting mechanism and custom designed blade that allows growers to harvest a tray every 3 seconds with precision. The blade height is adjustable to maximize the yield.

Source: Hamill APS

We have many features that ensure minimal product loss and together these features make our harvester extremely attractive from an ROI perspective. Another advantage is the quality of workmanship. We design and build our equipment here in our own shops. We understand the importance of safety and quality and are motivated to continue building the best harvesting equipment in the industry. 

Source: Hamill APS

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

Our team is small but highly skilled and knowledgeable. Quality and customer service is extremely important to our team. Between our two sites and 13,000 sq / ft of operating space, we design, fabricate, manufacture, and assemble every piece of equipment before we test and ship to our customers. We also have spare parts on hand to ensure our customers are up and running as fast as possible when needed. We are currently doing $3M per year in revenue. 

Source: Hamill APS

What are some goals in 2024 and beyond for Hamill APS? 

We are always striving to stay competitive and improve our equipment’s harvesting and safety features as well as incorporating the latest technology and industry advancements. We are also continuing to develop tray washers of assorted sizes.

How can people connect with you or learn more about Hamill APS?

People can connect with Hamill through our website www.hamillaps.com or our social media channels. We are on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. We also welcome and encourage anyone interested in learning more to call or email us. We would love to hear more about what you’re up to!

Source: Hamill APS

Asia Vertical Farming Companies: The 2023 Report

Download the Free Sample Report

Mark-Horler

"For a target audience that is trying to understand the basics of vertical farming, this is a quality newsletter to subscribe to"

- James Pateras, CEO, Modular Farms Australia

North America Vertical Farming Companies: The 2023 Report

Download The Free Sample Report

Mark-Horler

"The North America Vertical Farming Companies Report 2023 aggregates many sources of public information on many different companies so that you don't have to do the research yourself, it's worth the money and saves a lot of time"

- John Ireland, CEO, NTP Technologies

Europe Vertical Farming Companies: The 2023 Report

Download the Free Sample Report

Helen Andrew Spare Harvest

"As a business development manager supporting the indoor agriculture, CEA, and food tech industries, I can say Urban Vine guides and their insider newsletter provide detailed information often difficult to find online."

- Irena Lundberg, CleanTech Invest Stockholm

Middle East Vertical Farming Companies: The 2023 Report

Download the Free Sample Report

Mark-Horler

"As a marketing professional in the indoor agriculture industry, Urban Vine's newsletters, reports and guides are an excellent resource for keeping up-to-date with news and developments in vertical farming."

- Steven Mitchell, Product Manager, Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) UK

All Indoor Farming Company Interviews

Sapling

May 16, 2024

This interview details Sapling, an indoor farming technology company based in the UK. The interview is with Manish Patel, Managing Director at Sapling Automation Ltd. To learn more about Sapling and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

FibreDust

May 16, 2024

This interview details FibreDust, a company based in the United States. The interview is with Andrew D Pidgeon, Director of Marketing at FibreDust. To learn more about FibreDust and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

Tindle

May 20, 2024

This interview details Tindle, a company based in the United States. The interview is with Andre Menezes, Co-Founder of Tindle. To learn more about Tindle and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

Wageningen Economic Research

May 16, 2024

This interview details Wageningen Economic Research, a social-economic research institute based in the Netherlands. The interview is with Coert Bregman, Horticulture Researcher at Wageningen Economic Research. To learn more about Wageningen Economic Research and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

Independent Living Base

May 16, 2024

This interview details Independent Living Base, an indoor farming technology company based in France. The interview is with Pascal Benveniste, President of Independent Living Base. To learn more about Independent Living Base and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

CHAP Solutions

May 16, 2024

This interview details CHAP, a company based in the UK. The interview is with Fraser Black, CEO of CHAP. To learn more about CHAP and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

Maia Farms

May 9, 2024

This interview details Maia Farms, an indoor farming company based in Canada. The interview is with Gavin Schneider, CEO & Co-Founder of Maia Farms. To learn more about Maia Farms and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

CIOPORA

May 22, 2024

This interview details CIOPORA, a global association dedicate to promote plant breeders’ innovation and protection. The interview is with Andrés Velásquez, Director PR and Communications at CIOPORA. To learn more about CIOPORA and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

Purdue University

May 6, 2024

The interview is with Cary Mitchell, Professor Horticulture at Purdue University. To learn more about Purdue University and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview

VoltServer

May 6, 2024

This interview details VoltServer, a company based in the United States. The interview is with James Eaves, Ph.D., Indoor Agriculture Director at VoltServer. To learn more about VoltServer and other indoor farming companies, click on this link!

View Full Interview