Emerald Coast Growers adds soil facility

PENSACOLA, Fla.– Emerald Coast Growers has constructed a new, consolidated soil mixing facility, increasing efficiency and allowing easier custom blending by crop.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve our media handling facilities,” said Josiah Raymer, head grower. “We decided on consolidating our soil facilities from three locations to one, which will allow us to increase the efficiency, consistency and flexibility of our mix production.”

The new facility, located at the company’s Milton, Florida, operation, utilizes two soil lines equipped with Kase soil feeders with agitators mounted on 16”x18’ and 16”x24’ soil handling conveyors. They were designed with Kase fertilizer and Gladiator feeders for easy customization of both fertilizer and Perlite rates to specific crops’ needs. The two soil lines feed into Kase B-Line flat fillers.

“This facility will allow us to keep a tighter control on media consistency and allow us to custom blend mixes for specific crops,” says Josiah. “For example, we may mix a batch of media with increased drainage for a specific crop.”

An electric-controlled 19’ long by 13’ high overhead hoist system paired with a medium duty trolley lets Emerald Coast Growers use 60 cu. ft. loose fill bags to load the 4 yard soil feeder. With it, they’re streamlining labor and consolidating their tray filling operations.

The new facility sits on 6,000 square feet and is equipped with two loading docks.

For more: www.ecgrowers.com.