AAB and Serres Toundra sign declaration during trade mission Canada

28 MEI 2015

Naaldwijk, The Netherlands / Beamsville, Canada

During the trade mission to Canada, 26-29May 2015, which runs parallel to the state visit of his Majesty King Willem-Alexander and her Majesty Queen Máxima, an important declaration is signed by AAB and Serres Toundra, based in Canada. The declaration concerns the execution for a call for tenders for the first phase of a greenhouse complex of approx. 40 hectares in Saint Felicien, near Quebec. The tenders for the first phase cover an amount of C$ 40 million. The tenders for the total complex, which will be built in 4 phases the following years, will cover an amount up to C$ 100 million.

After having conducted a feasibility study, AAB was granted the contract by Serres Toundra for designing a greenhouse horticulture business with -in its final stage- an area of approximately 40 hectares for the purpose of growing cucumbers. The complex will be located in the Province of Quebec, where, among others, climatically challenging conditions should be taken into account. The heating will be partly accomplished by using waste heat from the local paper mill. The greenhouse complex will be erected in four phases. The design also includes a section for propagation. The project is, in addition to bank financing, co-financed by a pension fund and the Government of Quebec.

On behalf of Serres Toundra AAB will purchase the necessary technology and knowledge production worth C$100 million. The majority of these investments (expected to be approximately 90%) will be tendered to Dutch companies. The declaration is signed in the presence of his Majesty King Willem-Alexander and her Majesty Queen Máximain Beamsville, near Toronto, on May 28, 2015.

AAB, service provider specialized in horticulture with consultants, engineers and brokers, will provide construction management of the complete project and employment and management consultancy to Serres Toundra. The cultivation guidance and the supervision of the propagation have already been outsourced to Dutch companies.