Key takeaways
- Christopher McIntosh emphasizes quality-first materials and engineering as the foundation of greenhouse longevity
- Harnois prioritizes Canadian-sourced steel and long-term serviceability over low-cost imports
- Greenhouse projects are designed as tailored solutions rather than standardized products
- Strong networks between growers, suppliers, and manufacturers reduce operational risk
- Long-term service and replacement support remains a key differentiator in greenhouse infrastructure
Christopher McIntosh on growing up around greenhouse infrastructure
For Christopher McIntosh, the greenhouse industry is not a recent career choice but part of his personal history. With both parents having worked in the sector, McIntosh was exposed early to greenhouse manufacturing, sales, and customer relationships.
“We grew up right next to the greenhouse,” said Christopher McIntosh, Technical Sales Representative at Harnois. “We could wander in and out as we pleased… and it was a great way to raise a family.”
Although agriculture did not initially appeal to him, his perspective shifted as his interest in business developed. After completing a business management degree, McIntosh gradually became involved in greenhouse projects, first through internships and later by supporting active sales work across Western Canada and the United States.
Christopher McIntosh on entering the business through practical exposure
Rather than entering the company through a formal hiring process, McIntosh’s role evolved incrementally. Early responsibilities included market research, project quoting, and supporting smaller greenhouse builds.
“It’s kind of been a series of small steps,” he said, describing how exposure to real projects helped him understand the operational realities of greenhouse infrastructure.
This hands-on experience proved critical in understanding how greenhouse requirements differ by geography, crop type, and regulatory environment.
Designing greenhouses based on location and use case
A recurring theme in McIntosh’s work is that no two greenhouse projects are identical. Structural requirements vary significantly between regions, particularly when comparing northern climates with southern or coastal regions.
“A greenhouse project in the Yukon doesn’t look the same as a project in California,” McIntosh explained, pointing to differences in snow load, wind exposure, and reinforcement requirements.
Early-stage design focuses on aligning greenhouse models, materials, and equipment with intended use cases—whether for leafy greens, vine crops, retail, or mixed production—while accounting for budget and regulatory constraints.
Engineering, permitting, and in-house expertise
Harnois maintains in-house engineering capabilities with stamping authority across Canada and in multiple U.S. states. This allows projects to progress from concept to permitting without relying on external consultants for core structural validation.
“If permitting is required, we help make sure the design meets local code,” McIntosh said, noting that this approach simplifies the process for growers, particularly those new to greenhouse construction.
Christopher McIntosh on flexibility in greenhouse design
Flexibility is a key consideration for many clients, especially those still evaluating crop strategies. In community-based and food sovereignty projects, greenhouse designs must accommodate changing production priorities.
“We wanted the greenhouse to be adjustable and flexible,” McIntosh said, describing systems that allow for trellised crops, soil-based growing, shading, and optional partition walls.
Regardless of project size, the same level of planning and detail is applied to ensure long-term usability.
Logistics, remoteness, and long project timelines
Remote projects introduce additional complexity, particularly around transportation and staging. In some cases, greenhouse components must be shipped in multiple stages before reaching the final site.
“For scale, it might be a small greenhouse,” McIntosh noted, “but months of planning can still go into it.”
He emphasized that service levels do not change based on project size, as each greenhouse represents a long-term investment for the client.
Quality as a long-term strategy
Material sourcing remains central to Harnois’ positioning. Structural steel is sourced domestically, with an emphasis on durability and consistency.
“Our focus always has been and always will be on high quality,” McIntosh said. “We get Canadian steel… and that matters over the long term.”
That philosophy extends beyond initial construction. Harnois continues to support greenhouses built decades ago by fabricating replacement parts and adapting legacy structures to current needs.
Networks as a form of customer support
Rather than acting as agronomic consultants, McIntosh and his team focus on connecting clients with experienced growers, suppliers, and industry resources.
“What better person to tell you about it than one of our clients?” he said, describing how peer visits help new growers validate decisions and expectations.
This network-driven approach helps reduce risk, particularly for first-time greenhouse operators.
Christopher McIntosh on purpose and industry culture
Reflecting on his role in the industry, McIntosh pointed to the broader impact of greenhouse projects on food production, employment, and community development.
“You’re helping people at the end of the day,” he said. “You’re bettering the world in a way.”
He also highlighted the collaborative culture of the greenhouse sector, where shared problem-solving is common—even among competitors.
“At the end of the day, it’s about helping people,” McIntosh said.
