ROCK SOLID GREENHOUSE Taylorville, Illinois Solid Structure & Systems Local Customers Renewable Energy Computer Automation
Winning Combination Produce for local markets using sustainable technologies: Sturdy New Greenhouse Low cost renewable energy Rock Solid Produce Year round Production Close to many Markets
Greenhouse 3.75 acres covered in glass and plastic (163K Sq. Ft.) Head House & Office (20K Sq. Ft.) Heated by waste heat from adjacent WM facility Close to 4 markets: 4 hours from Chicago 2 hours from Indianapolis 1.5 hour from St. Louis 40 minutes from Springfield Agriculture heartland Recently Built Land leased for 20 years One of the Largest Greenhouse in Illinois
Greenhouse Aerial Compare to car
History Constructed in 2006, 2007 Designed specifically to use Renewable Waste Heat Operated as a Floral grower from 2007 New management from late 2011 Transitioned to Herb production in 2H2012 Successfully ramping new Herb strategy with new local customers
Current Production Shipping Produce: Basil Oregano Chives Rosemary Various others Proven systems Local & Regional markets: Chicago, IL Champaign, IL St. Louis. MO Springfield, IL 13 Employees
Greenhouse Facility Greenhouse with Head House & Offices Irrigation and Fertilizing Systems & Controls Heating/Recovery System Conveyer Belt System Automatic Venting on Sides and Roof Nursery Benching Soil mixer & flat filler Fork lift & golf cart Backup Generator Shade Curtains on Ceilings Suitable for Flower, Vegetable or Herb crop
Greenhouse with Head House
Greenhouse 8 Bays of Double Poly Arch style 10 Bays of Glass Venlo style Each Bay: 42 X 216 X 16 for total of 163K Sq.Ft. Thermostat controlled Ceiling Vents Side Venting Full automated shade/energy shield system Conveyer belt system Radiant Heating under floor in all 18 bays Lighting in 2 bays Built by Rough Brothers (Ohio)
Head House 80 X 250 X 24 Clear span Steel cover insulated bldg 7 offices + conf. room Potting room Tool Storage room Boiler room 2 Loading docks Large outdoor concrete pad for storage Break room, restrooms
Irrigation and Fertilizing Systems & Controls Argus in 2012
Heating/Recovery System
Low Cost Renewable Heat Located next to Waste Mgmt (WM) operation Waste Heat from WM Landfill Methane operation WM runs 4 Electric Generators 7/24 Heat from Generators is transferred via Hot Water that is piped under Greenhouse Heat price advantage Have Back up Boiler / Generator
Heat Usage Analysis Annual Comparison Waste Heat (Current) $100K at current price NatGas use as backup: Windy & cold periods Early Morning Cold spells Use 1 or 2 boilers as needed Natural Gas ONLY (Comparison) $400K at current price 2 Boilers Superior Wells McClane
Nursery Benches / Water Tables New in 2012 Empty Benches - new Starter herbs on Bench
Diesel Back up Generator Generac (1997 model) 250 KVA 300 Amps 200 KW Auto Start
Curtain systems New Ceiling curtains in all 18 bays Shade & Reflective for Heat optimization Motorized
Land & Heat Lease Land: 16.9 acres total 20 year lease beginning November 2011 Fixed price per year Paid annually rises 2% per year Heat: 20 year lease beginning November 2011 Significant discount to Wholesale Market price Paid monthly based on annual adjustment Total for both Leases under $100K per year
Produce Possibilities: Green Green practices Grown in a hybrid of hydroponic and soil tech Herbs & Vegetables Low Toxicity due to Integrated Pest Mgmt Avoidance of Pesticides, Herbicides, Fungicides. Low Carbon Footprint due to avoidance of Fossil Fuels and use of Waste Heat Multiple Local markets
Produce - actual Basil Rosemary & Basil Seedlings Chives in Hanging Pots
Herbs - actual
Operations head 28+ years experience Ran 2 separate 12 Acre greenhouses One used Waste Heat Deep contacts in Supply and Demand side Owner / Operator Prior Employers ===
Customer Profiles Distributors to high-end Restaurants Chicago St. Louis Retail chains in Chicago Champaign Decatur Bloomington Springfield
Rock Solid Produce is Green/Sustainable 80% less land & year round 80% less water 80% less Fossil fuel energy Mostly Renewable Energy heat 80% less chemicals 90% less greenhouse gases US grown and LOCALLY consumed
ROCK SOLID GREENHOUSE Taylorville, Illinois Solid Structure & Systems Local Customers Renewable Energy Computer Automation