At PrimeHort, we recognise that customer feedback helps us all grow smarter. Every piece of information we gather from growers as they go about their nursery work is a gift. With this insight, we’re able to improve our products and services to directly benefit our customers’ bottom line.
As part of this, we recently gave our best-selling propagation tray a makeover. Much thought, effort (and a heavy investment) went into the revamped version of the 28 Cell Forestry Tray. Here’s a quick behind-the-scenes look at our approach to ensuring this high-performing tray remains a top seller.
Innovation and Design: as part of our research into redesigning the 28 Cell Tray, we collaborated with growers about what was important to them. We then briefed our manufacturer on the desired improvements, including sustainability aspirations and ways to enhance root development.
Testing and Trials: There was a rigorous testing phase, ensuring the forestry trays perform well in real conditions and most importantly, remain compatible across all relevant nursery automation.
Material Improvements: The material was upgraded to a more durable No. 5 polypropylene plastic. No. 5 plastic is recyclable, which aligns with many of our grower’s sustainability initiatives. Despite the enhanced strength, the trays remain easy to manage, which is super important with all of the handling they receive in a nursery.
The material improvements also mean growers can expect at least 9 years of service life, which reduces the need for replacements and is a cost-benefit in the long term.
Enhanced Features: The latest tray has the same standard footprint as its original and some fantastic new features to enhance its performance. Some of the specific improvements for increasing efficiency and crop success rates include:
- Superior drainage for healthy plant growth
- Enhanced cell design with side slots on each cell to prevent root spiralling and promote robust root development.
- Reducing the need for replacements.
- In-built lugs for quick & easy handling and de-nesting.
- UV stabilised to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
- Can be custom-branded for larger quantities.
Automation-Friendly: The tray is 100% ready to work with our growers existing systems, including Trayfillers, Dibbling Machines and more. It fits comfortably on our Nursery Trolleys too.
Re-Marketing to Growers: The next critical phase in any new product improvement is to spread the news far and wide to growers!
At the recent Nursery Trade Day, we showcased the new Forestry Trays, and growers appreciated seeing and touching it first-hand. Many customers had heard of it through our email newsletters and general promotions, but seeing it in action on the Da Ros Transplanter with Dibbling Station was invaluable. Look out for the trays in our upcoming Grower Flyer too!
Many customers are now easing it into their operations as they phase out their old 28T Thermoformed ones, which is a smart move for cost savings.
Please talk to us about transitioning into the new 28T Tray – we’re committed to making it work for you. Also, don’t forget, our showroom is a great place to visit if you would like to see more of our products and nursery automation in action.
We hope this quick overview demonstrates our commitment to product research and quality control. We look forward to discussing the new Forestry Tray and how it could benefit your nursery today!
