"The machine itself does the work, but the routing and transport system make the process run smoothly. Towards the machine, but also afterwards," says Rick van der Tang of Opti Systems. BM Roses in Maasland recently installed a new machine that uses robots to automate the cutting and planting of potted roses. This machine, supplied by Aventec and equipped with transport systems from Opti-Systems, aims to achieve high production capacity with fewer people.
"Previously, they worked here with two potting machines and they have a lot of staff walking around. With the new machine, it is now possible to run continuously with just one or two operators, even 24 hours a day," Rick says. "So you need fewer workers, but you can also get more work done. There is even room for a second machine, which will soon allow production to be scaled up even further."
John van de Ven of Aventec and Rick van der Tang of Opti Systems
Labor savings
The new machine, designed to handle 10.5cm and 12cm pots, does more than just fill pots: it cuts the cuttings from the tendrils and places them directly into the pots, a process that previously required a lot of manual labor. "Thanks to automation, growers save on labor and have recouped the investment within a few years. Because the machine is fully automated, and itself decides how many pots to process, little intervention by employees is needed," Rick explains."An important part of the routing is the watering unit, which ensures that the pots are properly soaked beforehand. This is crucial for the quality of the roses, as the cuttings have to end up in moist soil."
The watering unit
The entire routing visible on the screen
Automation
Opti-Systems took care of the supply and removal of the pots around the machine. "We set up the routing and added the conveyors. The machine itself does the work, but our conveyor system ensures that everything runs smoothly and that the machine is given the necessary priority. Our conveyor systems can work completely autonomously but are also flexible enough to work together with operators. Some employees still have to get used to it, but automation is the only way to maintain production levels," Rick explains. "With four robotic arms continuously cutting and planting the rose cuttings, the machine can eventually reach a capacity of 5,200 pots per hour."
The cutting and planting by the robots is done at a considerable speed
After the machine, the pots continue on their way to be checked one more time
Future-oriented
Seven years ago, Opti Systems started as a service company, and for several years now they have been supplying their own conveyor belts. "Our blue PVC conveyor belts are recognizable and practical for all kinds of processes. Where the machine is very specific for roses, the market for us is inexhaustible. We sell conveyor belts and everyone does need them."
Jaime van Marrewijk, owner of BM Roses, is happy with Opti Systems' support in designing the routing and adding the conveyor system. Opti Systems has been supplying conveyors to other departments within the company for some time and they are happy with that, Jaime says. "This machine allows us to produce more efficiently while responding to the labor shortage. It's a great process to engage with Opti Systems and also Aventec. We all want success and together you are stronger. We see the future looking bright."
John van de Ven, Jaime van Marrewijk and Rick van der Tang
For more information:
Opti Systems B.V. 
Vlotlaan 336
2681 TV Monster, the Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)6 42706618
Tel: +31 (0)6 17206426
[email protected]
www.optisystems.nl
Aventec B.V. 
Grolderseweg 5
5384TM Heesch, the Netherlands
Tel: 06 146 261 50
[email protected]
www.aventec.nl
BM Roses 
Oostgaag 9
3155CD Maasland
Tel: (+31) 6 53 16 17 88
[email protected]
www.bmroses.nl