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Rob Nearing, president of National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association, talks about greenhouse construction issues and what the association is doing to educate the industry about greenhouse design and other greenhouse-related topics.

Q. Have greenhouse manufacturers reported good or bad experiences working with the new International Building Code?

A. It is probably too early to determine the plus or minus effect of the new IBC. National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association has been proactive, both financially and through volunteer personnel, working with the IBC formulations. Whether a company views the new IBC codes as beneficial or not is irrelevant; they exist and responsible companies must abide by them.

The reason that NGMA has been so active with the IBC is to make certain that all parties concerned have a clear understanding of the unique nuances of building greenhouse-type structures, which differ from just about any other type of building. It should also be mentioned that the National Fire Protection Association is creating its own code, and NGMA is closely monitoring that project.

Q. What are the most common obstacles greenhouse manufacturers have to overcome with zoning regulations?

A. Zoning regulations and enforcement are two different things. While the regulations in one geographical area of the country may justifiably differ greatly from another -- contrasting environmental conditions in the Northwest with those of the Southeast, for example -- the degree of enforcement is the real issue. I hope this is an exception.

NGMA is aware of foreign structure companies installing non-code glass in retail, garden center-type greenhouses where there is considerable consumer traffic. Ultimately, such practices may save a few dollars but are bad for the grower, the builder and certainly consumers who are victimized by inferior, substandard construction.

Q. What suggestions do you have for growers looking to add or retrofit structures to assist them in obtaining necessary building permits?

A. First, check with your peers in the same geographical area. Next, discuss the situation with the vendor. And always check with appropriate local officials if they can be identified.

Q. Energy savings hardly seem to be a concern this winter compared to last year. Has your company received inquiries from growers interested in retrofitting or replacing a structure to improve energy-use efficiency?

A. It would be extremely short-sighted to ignore energy concerns just because the temperatures have generally, nationally, been more moderate than last year. Many NGMA structure and component companies have aggressively marketed energy-saving techniques, options and products and they have been universally well-received. Here at Janco, our customers are still interested in employing logical, efficient means to save energy. Last year was a wake-up call that should be heeded.

Q. Which aspects of greenhouse construction need improvement, where structure, glazing and equipment manufacturers could work together better to benefit growers?

A. Interesting question due to various ramifications. At Janco we work very closely with component suppliers. Partnering is part of the package, along with fair pricing, new technology and good service. Today's greenhouse structure is far more technologically sophisticated than houses of 20, 10 or even five years ago. That is due to advances in structure design, component innovations and superior glazing options. There is more synergy between structure manufacturers, component suppliers, glazing companies and growers than ever before.

Q. Are greenhouse manufacturers that supply big-box stores with structures experiencing a change in demand?

A. There has been some shifting of garden center emphasis -- the type and size of structure they are putting up -- among mass retailers. However, if we leave Kmart out of the equation for obvious reasons, the market for big-box structures continues to expand. For example, Lowe's recently announced its plans to open 253 stores during the next two years. This is in addition to 734 stores in 42 states currently in operation. Home Depot and several other mass marketers have announced similar expansion plans.

Q. There seem to be increasing concerns from municipalities about fire hazards related to polyethylene film-covered structures, especially those used for retail. Is NGMA addressing this?

A. Fire hazards have been an NGMA concern for some time, and we have developed an educational program available to growers and retailers that could prove helpful. I feel polyethylene coverings will always be a factor in both commercial greenhouses and retail-oriented structures.

Q. There has been much consolidation in various industries during the last few years. However, there doesn't seem to have been much consolidation among greenhouse manufacturers.

A. Consolidation among structure companies usually doesn't make much sense, primarily for reasons of logistics. Most structure manufacturers, with just a few exceptions, tend to sell to a specific region due to the inherent challenges of putting up a structure: low margins, cost of shipping high-weight materials and managing a crew which can oftentimes be comprised of subcontractors as opposed to company-employed workers. The farther away from home base a manufacturer is required to build a structure, the higher the costs become, and control is an issue. For those reasons I don't anticipate any notable consolidation, although regionally opposed companies may find partnering can prove beneficial.

Q. NGMA is working on a design manual. Can you describe what information it will contain and its purpose?

A. The NGMA design manual is in the final stages and should be available later this year. It will benefit any grower who operates a greenhouse. NGMA already has available a series of educational brochures that cover virtually all aspects of the growing market including structures, glazing, heating, cooling, chemicals, and more. This information is available for a nominal charge from NGMA or can be downloaded free from the NGMA Web site, www.ngma.com.

Q. Retractable-roof greenhouses and open-roof greenhouses continue to receive a lot of interest. Do you expect this trend to continue?

A. Retractable- or open-roof greenhouses should no longer be considered just a trend. They are part of the structural landscape and many NGMA manufacturers, including Janco, offer both traditional structures and open-roof structures. Retractable- or open-roof houses fill a specific need and are here to stay. Standard, fixed-roof houses will also continue to be used because in some instances, conditions that are appropriate for one structure type may not be so good for the other type. Preference for one type versus another is generally a matter of greenhouse function and the environment more than price.

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© 2002 Branch-Smith Publishing