A record 80 days.
It is a phrase blending wonder and science, bridging magic with modernity. For my literary heart, it is a statement that rings of the first to step toward the future.
This is not, however, the story of Jules Verne’s iconic imagination taking us Around the World in Eighty Days. It is the astonishing window in which WINDSET FARMS® carved out its own incredible feat in Delta, British Columbia (BC), Canada.
Combining innovation and excellence, Windset Farms has expanded its 92-acre facility, with 48 acres of lit production, beginning the next chapter of the greenhouse grower’s ability to provide an even more enhanced year-round supply.
“With careful planning, innovative construction methods, and effective project management, we were able to turn this goal into a reality while delivering a high-quality facility that meets our production needs efficiently,” Steven Newell, Chief Executive Officer, shares. “We have our exemplary construction team and our greenhouse project team, KUBO, to thank for completing the exterior build in a record 80 days!”
If you are at all familiar with a BC winter, you have some idea why completing the construction promptly and efficiently was always a top priority. Construction began in spring 2023, and Steven tells me it was vital that the initial structure was up before the winter weather arrived.
The project started with extensive planning and collaboration among team members and stakeholders, but Steven is quick to clarify the endeavor wasn’t without its challenges.
“...we leveraged our network of suppliers and logistics partners to expedite alternative transportation options and prioritize the delivery...”
Steven Newell, Chief Executive Officer, WINDSET FARMS®
“One particular challenge we encountered was with the timely delivery of specialized equipment and materials essential for the greenhouse construction due to the sheer scale of the project. To mitigate this issue, we leveraged our network of suppliers and logistics partners to expedite alternative transportation options and prioritize the delivery of the essential component,” Steven reflects, pointing out the power and importance of community when performing Verne-level miracles.
As winter set in, the crew focused on the greenhouse interior. Meanwhile, an existing 24-acre greenhouse structure was also retrofitted with LED lights, bringing the total lit production to 48 acres out of Delta’s 92 acres of production facilities.
The structure stands as a physical embodiment, I discover, of the mission statement that guides Windset: Sustainably grown produce for our planet. True to this mission, the company’s latest expansion demonstrates commitment to its core values: W (welcoming), I (innovative), N (nutritious), D (dependable), S (sustainable), E (excellence), T (trust).
“By the end of this year, 2024, our Delta greenhouse facility will be the largest LED lit facility in Western North America. The facilities will utilize renewable hydroelectric power and biomass boilers, putting sustainability at the forefront of the operation. Being able to bring greenhouse-grown, high-quality product to local markets is huge for Windset,” Steven explains. “We are so excited to be able to offer our customers the opportunity to buy local product year-round.”
Jeff Madu, Vice President of Sales and Operations, echoes this when he shares that the new facility is not just about enhancing production capabilities; it’s about bringing more BC-grown produce into the Pacific Northwest region year-round.
“We’re looking forward to collaborating with retailers on promotions and merchandising opportunities of BC-grown produce within our province and Western Canada. This includes utilizing the highly recognizable ‘Buy BC’ logo to increase visibility of our locally grown produce. This partnership benefits our business and strengthens local agriculture support while reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and community engagement,” Jeff says.
What further drives the company’s success is Windset’s extensive experience and capabilities. In California, Windset has the largest single-site greenhouse facility in the United States, allowing its team to produce high-quality product year-round thanks to the region’s mild climate. Similar to the Buy BC Logo, Windset utilizes the “California Grown” license plate on product grown at its Santa Maria facility, allowing consumers to easily recognize product grown close to home on the store shelves.
“With strategic greenhouse locations in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, all producing year-round, Windset’s customers can count on consistent production 365 days a year,” Jeff shares. “We are thrilled to be able to keep expanding and strengthening our year-round operations.”
But while a single person can make a breeze, it takes a village to create true winds of change, and Jeff is quick to point out the hands that make Windset gust.
“In terms of staffing, we are fortunate to have an incredibly skilled and dedicated team. Windset’s facilities are certified by Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), a rigorous certification program that focuses on social responsibility, worker engagement, and Integrated Pest Management,” Jeff tells me. “Our dedicated EFI leaders maintain constant engagement with the workforce, fostering skills enhancement, encouraging ownership, and continually improving efficiency, productivity, and job satisfaction.”
The first planting of the new Delta greenhouse kicked off spring of 2024, helping secure crucial space in Windset’s strategically placed production and distribution facilities. Together, they ensure accessibility to over 125 million consumers within a 24-hour drive!
“There is growing consumer interest in the origin of their food. The ability to meet the needs of a large customer base from centralized greenhouse facilities holds significant importance,” Jeff says. “Moreover, implementing sustainable practices across an organization is crucial. This is why ‘Sustainable’ is a core value at Windset; embodying social, environmental, and financial responsibility.”
Steven is quick to echo Jeff’s point.
“Sustainability is at the forefront of the new build. Dual climate curtains, ventilation jet fans, and dimmable LED light fixtures will be pivotal in controlling and reducing energy usage. Thermal screens and full light abatement curtains on the roof and side walls will eliminate light pollution. Reverse osmosis and ozone systems are also used for water recirculation,” Steven details. “By minimizing our environmental footprint, we contribute to a healthier planet and ensure our business’ long-term viability.”
“With strategic greenhouse locations in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, all producing year-round, Windset’s customers can count on consistent production 365 days a year.”
Jeff Madu, Vice President of Sales and Operations, WINDSET FARMS®
Windset’s commitment to sustainability also extends to its packaging. The team collaborates closely with suppliers and industry experts to offer packaging options with a wide range of recyclability. Customers have the flexibility to select from various lidding films, such as paper or PET mono material, based on their target market’s regional recycling regulations and capabilities. Additionally, the company has recently shifted all of its bags to a mono-material LDPE, leading to a 20 percent reduction in plastic.
With cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and a skilled workforce, the company is poised to meet the growing demand for high-quality greenhouse-grown produce anywhere in North America and beyond.
In addition to the new build, Windset Farms has recently released some exciting new products, including YUM YUMS™ Cherry Tomatoes, a “super sweet” tomato variety.
“The packaging has a fun pop of color that will resonate with children and families. The pack contains red and orange cherry tomatoes that are both extremely sweet, like little bites of candy,” Jeff states. In a similar fashion, he adds Windset will be debuting SWEETIES™ Seedless Mini Peppers this spring. “Like YUM YUMS, this seedless mini pepper variety is super sweet and comes in a mixed bag of red, orange, and yellow peppers. It is a convenient and nutritious snack for kids and adults to enjoy.”
Windset Farms works closely with companies on exclusive seed varieties to ensure its customers are getting the best-tasting product while also ensuring yield, shelf-life, taste, and appearance are at the highest possible level. “These new products,” Jeff punctuates, “will not disappoint!”
Committed to actively promoting these products every step of the way with its customers, Windset is highly focused on strategic merchandising opportunities, interactive demos, and digital offerings.
“By partnering with us, our customers will benefit from our comprehensive support in marketing and promoting these products year-round,” Jeff sums up. It is clear to me, though, this is just the latest in an evolving story.
Windset Farms is aggressively forging ahead with even more expansions of its operations to provide healthy, nutritious food that meets the demands of an increasing population and a delicate planet.
As Verne himself acknowledges, “Anything one man can imagine, other men can make real.” This idea at its heart is how I see Windset Farms attributing its latest wonder. Where opportunity and ingenuity meet perseverance, impossible ideas become reality. 
