In 2018, the German family-owned company LEMKEN expanded its product range for professional arable farming with innovative hoeing technology. Machine factory Steketee from Stad aan ‘t Haringvliet has therefore been part of LEMKEN since 2018 and is growing rapidly. The worldwide demand for weed control machines, such as camera-controlled hoeing equipment, is so great that expansion and a modern production facility is needed. That is why LEMKEN is investing in a new factory, which will be built in Dinteloord, not far from the current location in Stad aan ‘t Haringvliet. LEMKEN will establish itself at the Agro Food Cluster Nieuw Prinsenland. The new factory is scheduled to open its doors at the end of 2023 and will accommodate at least 30 additional employees.

LEMKEN CEO Anthony van der Ley says about the background of the investment: “The world around us is changing at a rapid pace. Together with the entire chain, we will have to work towards sustainable food production in a sensible and step-by-step manner. Primary agriculture will play a pioneering role in this. There are many possibilities and solutions to problems that we can solve with technology and high-tech. We are now outgrowing our current location so quickly that we started looking for a new location where we can realize our ambitions.” Van der Ley adds that the ambition extends further than just production expansion. “It was also decided to invest extra in product development in order to further expand the unique and innovative position of LEMKEN and Steketee. Applying artificial intelligence to our tools is a good example of this.”

“In addition to the healthy growth of our company, we value good working conditions”, Nicola Lemken adds. “We are very proud that we have found a location in the area, so that all employees can start working at their new workplace without difficulty. The attractive agro & food environment is also important for finding the extra staff required. The creative design of the new building we also connect with the possibility to offer ourselves as an experienced and at the same time innovative partner for other companies, universities and schools.By offering a creative and innovative breeding ground, we want to be a springboard for students, start-ups and scale-ups”.