Key Takeaways
- Bom Group and HX Agriculture have signed a long-term cooperation agreement to build multiple HX AGF greenhouses across China.
- The greenhouses will feature full automation across climate control, water management, cultivation systems, and data-driven operations.
- VH Systems, part of the Atrium Agri network, will supply and integrate a fully automated lettuce cultivation system at the heart of each facility.
- The partnership combines Dutch horticultural technology with local Chinese production capabilities, targeting improvements in lettuce yield, quality, and efficiency.
- Bom Group is acting as main contractor, with Atrium Agri Partners VH Systems and PB Tec involved in delivery.
Bom Group and HX Agriculture Partner to Build High-Tech Greenhouses Across China
Dutch greenhouse specialist Bom Group has entered into a long-term cooperation agreement with HX Agriculture to develop multiple HX AGF greenhouses throughout China, targeting a significant expansion of automated lettuce production in the country.
A Partnership Combining Dutch Technology and Local Expertise
The agreement brings together Bom Group’s Dutch horticultural engineering capabilities and HX Agriculture’s established presence and local operational knowledge in China. The HX AGF greenhouses will incorporate advanced systems across climate control, water management, cultivation, and data-driven automation.
Simon Lin, CEO of HX Agriculture, commented on the agreement: “From our very first meetings, the collaboration felt natural. What really sets Bom Group apart is how they combine proven Dutch technology with local production in China. Offering a comprehensive solution that combines financing, technology, construction, and operational management is key to the sector’s continued development, and this partnership enables us to achieve that in practice.”
Ruben Kalkman of Bom Group added: “We share the same ambition to raise the standard of greenhouse cultivation in China. Our flexible approach and ability to translate Dutch high-tech solutions into locally produced systems made the difference and fits perfectly with HX’s vision.”
Bom Group’s Role as Main Contractor
Bom Group will serve as main contractor on the projects, overseeing design, engineering, construction, and crop optimization as an integrated package. The engineering process involved extensive technical development to accommodate advanced automation, climate strategies, and scalable construction systems suited to varying conditions across China.
Johan van Geest, CEO of Bom Group, stated: “We are fully focused on bringing Dutch technology to China to make a real difference in efficiency, sustainability, and product quality. At the same time, we maximise the strength of local production and partnerships in China. This combination makes the project so strong.”
VH Systems to Deliver Fully Automated Lettuce Cultivation
Within the project, VH Systems — a specialist in automatic lettuce systems and an Atrium Agri Partner of Bom Group — is responsible for the fully automated lettuce cultivation system. Plants will move through the greenhouses without human intervention, with the system managing plant spacing, growth uniformity, and space utilisation continuously.
Roeland van Dijk, who has been closely involved in the project, explained: “VH Systems has extensive experience with automated lettuce systems, and we are excited to apply our knowledge fully here. The result is a system that is efficient, reliable, and fully integrated — exactly what these greenhouses need.”
Atrium Agri’s Integrated Delivery Approach
The projects are being delivered through Bom Group’s Atrium Agri partner network, which includes VH Systems and PB Tec. Marck Hagen, CEO of Atrium Agri, said: “This project demonstrates what happens when ambition is shared and execution is aligned. At Atrium Agri, we are connected through ambition and we succeed as one, combining expertise, technology and delivery power into one integrated solution for our international clients.”
Lynn Wan, board member of HX Agriculture, highlighted the broader significance of the agreement: “This partnership marks a new phase for HX Agriculture. By combining international expertise with our strong local organisation and growers, we are building scalable, future-proof projects that will structurally enhance lettuce production in China.”
The HX AGF greenhouses are expected to increase production capacity, product quality, and operational efficiency across multiple locations in China.
