In large scale greenhouse operations, efficiency is not a luxury. It is a necessity. At Rockwell Farms in Rockwell, North Carolina (USA), that understanding continues to drive investment in smart automation.
With a long-standing partnership with WPS, Rockwell Farms has once again taken the next step. A new SmartFlo expansion of 1 kilometer will connect the latest greenhouse seamlessly with the existing operation.
This brings the total SmartFlo system at Rockwell Farms to approximately 14 kilometers, making it the largest SmartFlo installation worldwide.
Scaling operations without adding complexity
As greenhouse operations grow, so do the challenges. More square meters often mean more manual transport, more coordination, and more risk of inefficiencies.
Rockwell Farms chose a different path. By continuously investing in automation, they ensure that growth does not lead to complexity, but to greater control and efficiency.
As Bryan Abramowski, Managing Partner at Rockwell Farms, explains: “The WPS system has delivered a flexible platform that integrates effectively with our internal processes, enhancing efficiency and lowering labor costs.”
The SmartFlo system supports the internal transport of plants throughout the nursery. It connects processes, reduces manual handling, and creates a smoother, more predictable workflow. Especially during peak periods, this makes a tangible difference in daily operations.
Flexibility built into every meter
One of the key strengths of the SmartFlo system lies in its flexibility. At the heart of the system is the SmartFlo Drive, powered by a wireless communication network.
This allows Rockwell Farms to:
- Assign conveyors to different transport routes
- Control each route individually
- Adjust speed and direction per section
- Start or stop connected machines within the same workflow
Whether linking potting lines, cutting machines, or transport routes between greenhouses, the system adapts to the operation, not the other way around.
And as the nursery continues to evolve, the system can easily expand with additional conveyors, switches, or integrations. A future proof approach that fits the ambitions of a growing business.
Built for reliability, designed for daily use
In an operation of this scale, reliability is everything. The SmartFlo Tracks are built from high quality, durable materials, including galvanized and powder coated components, ensuring long term performance under intensive use.
The conveyor belts are produced according to WPS standards and are designed to handle substantial loads. In fact, between supports, the tracks can carry up to 100 kg, making them even suitable as walkways when not in operation.
It is this combination of robustness and smart design that keeps the system running day in, day out.
A long-term partnership built on continuous improvement
The latest expansion is not a one-time step, but part of a long-term partnership between Rockwell Farms and WPS. With each phase, processes are further automated and optimized, bringing the operation closer to Handsfree Plant Production.
By extending the SmartFlo system to 14 kilometers, Rockwell Farms continues to build a future proof greenhouse where efficiency, control, and scalability go hand in hand.
We thank Rockwell Farms for their continued trust and collaboration!
Interested in SmartFlo? Our team is happy to explore the possibilities for your operation.
