Klasmann-Deilmann acquires patented gel plug
Acquisition of US manufacturer VelociGro strengthens innovative capacity in young plant cultivation
Klasmann-Deilmann has acquired VelociGro from US investor Ospraie. VelociGro is known as a producer of innovative gel plugs. With this takeover, Klasmann-Deilmann secures important patents and expanded expertise in the development of forward-looking solutions for young plant production. The relevant contracts have now been signed.
“We are experiencing a profound transformation process,” says Moritz Böcking, Managing Director of the Klasmann-Deilmann Group. “Our customers expect solutions that meet ecological requirements, are economically viable and can be seamlessly integrated into existing production systems. This is exactly where we come in with the acquisition of VelociGro: we are specifically expanding our portfolio with technologies that offer our customers even more performance and crop security.”
“Klasmann-Deilmann and Ospraie share a common vision for the horticulture of tomorrow,” says Hunter Baldwin, the CEO of Velocigro. “Nurseries need efficient, competitive and sustainable solutions.”
“With the support of Ospraie Ag Science, Hunter and his team developed a scientific idea into a commercial product. VelociGro created the Gel-Plug, and we believe Klasmann-Deilmann is the logical successor to distribute this technology worldwide”, says Jason Mraz, Co-Founder and President of Ospraie Management.
At the heart of the acquisition of VelociGro is a patented gel plug technology for young plant cultivation. The gel plugs are made from natural, compostable materials and provide a consistent, sterile and reliable environment for germination and early plant growth. The products are particularly suitable for seedlings and can be used in all common cultivation methods – right up to modern indoor cultivation systems.
“With the gel plugs, we are expanding our portfolio with an innovative product that bridges the gap between classic substrates and highly specialised solutions and offers great potential for young plant cultivation,” says Sebastian Kipp, Director of Innovation at Klasmann-Deilmann. Extensive trials in various crops – from vegetable seedlings and ornamental plants to specialised crops – have shown that germination rates, root development and crop homogeneity are always at least on a par with established systems and in many cases even exceed them.
“With VelociGro, we are underlining our commitment to actively shaping the development of modern cultivation systems,” says Damian Ikemann, Managing Director of the Klasmann-Deilmann Group. “We can now combine patented expertise with global production and distribution capabilities. Klasmann-Deilmann will scale the new solutions and make them available internationally.”
In a first step, the gel plug technology will be introduced in selected pilot projects with major international customers. At the same time, an interdisciplinary team is working on production capacities and integration into existing product lines and consulting concepts.
