Key Takeaways
- Planet Farms’ Cavenago plant experienced a significant fire on January 22, 2024.
- The fire, which started around 5.00 AM -6.30 AM, led to the collapse of the warehouse roof.
- Initial reports suggest the fire was caused by a malfunction in an air conditioning machine.
- Despite rapid response from firefighters, the fire caused extensive damage to the facility.
- The regional environmental agency has reported only mildly toxic pollutants in the area.
Overview of the Incident
Planet Farms experienced a fire at its Cavenago plant on January 22, 2024. The facility sustained substantial damage as a result of the fire, including the collapse of the warehouse roof.
Details on the Fire’s Outbreak
According to initial reports, the fire started around 6.00 AM. Investigations are focusing on a potential malfunction in the air conditioning system, which may have ignited insulation panels. The presence of plastic materials on the roof contributed to the spread and intensity of the fire, leading to considerable damage to the structure as reported by Wired reporters.
Response Efforts to the Fire
The team at Planet Farms informed Vertical Farm Daily that the cause of the fire that occurred on their premises is still unknown as investigations are ongoing. However, they confirmed that the fire had been brought under control and no employees or individuals were injured during the incident. Despite this setback, Planet Farms’ development and expansion plans remain on track, with construction of the next-generation plant in Cirimido already well underway. This new plant will be twice the size of the one located in Cavenago, and progress is at an advanced stage.
Environmental Impact and Public Health Considerations
Following the fire, the regional environmental protection agency (Arpa) of Lombardy has been monitoring the area for potential health and environmental impacts. While the release of pollutants has been confirmed, these are currently classified as mildly toxic. Ongoing assessments are being conducted to ensure the safety of the local population.
Planet Farms Latest News
Secures $40M For UK & Italy Expansion (2023/11/23)
Italian company Planet Farms has raised $40 million in a funding round, taking its total funding to over $140 million. The company plans to use the funds to expand in Italy and the UK, including completing a new facility in Cirimido, Italy, and entering the UK market. The new facility is expected to be one of the largest vertical farms globally and is set to be operational by the end of summer 2024. Planet Farms has already begun marketing its products in the UK and plans to open a new facility north of London in the second half of 2025.
Expands Product Line in Central Italy (2023/10/30)
Planet Farms expanded its product offerings in central Italy and partnered with Elite Supermercati to make its Frescaah line-up, featuring a variety of greens and garlic-free Pestooh, available in Rome, Umbria, and the Marche. The company prioritizes fresh and premium quality in its products, which are grown through vertical farming. This move is part of Planet Farms’ efforts to strengthen its presence and accessibility in the Italian market.
Planet Farms Gets a 17.5M Euros By Unicredit & Sace (2022/12/22)
Planet Farms, an Italy-based vertical farming company, has received a credit of 17.5 million euros from Unicredit, guaranteed by Sace, to finance the construction of their second vertical farm in the province of Como. The new facility will be larger than their current farm, allowing them to expand their production capacity. The company is also continuing its growth plans by opening a new farm in Brusaporto and appointing a new CEO and President for their Italian operation. They are also planning to establish a new research and development center, as well as a new farm in Cirimido that will be about 50% bigger than the previous ones. The financing follows another investment of USD 30M from Azimut Investments.
Appoints CEO & Announce New Expansion Plans (2022/12/02)
Planet Farms has appointed Mara Valsecchi and Marco Bordoli as CEO and President respectively of Planet Farms Italia. They will lead the company’s growth and upcoming research and development center, which will be about 50% larger than the ones the company currently has. The corporation is expanding its manufacturing capacity and charting a course for global expansion by constructing new factories and research facilities.
Planet Farms Opens New Farm With 3-Star Michelin Restaurant (2022/10/14)
The Italy-based vertical farm has opened a custom-made farm with two growth chambers in Brusaporto, in partnership with the three-Michelin-star restaurant Da Vittorio. This allows the restaurant to grow its own crops on-site, including multiple types of basil, baby leaves, and other micro-greens as per the chef’s request. The opening marks an important step for Planet Farms as it showcases one of the possible applications of its vertical farming model and the high quality of its product. In February of that year, the company closed a USD 30m financing round from Azimut Investments to finance its expansion and research and development.
Image provided by Planet Farms
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