Lighting in Design Q2 2024

N ews News

Producing 60 million ready-to-grow plants in greenhouses

greenhouse growers across the continent.” The company Is planning to add an 8-acre state-of the-art facility to their property, expected to be used in production within the next four years.

Ontario Plants Propagation has grown from a modest 3-hectare family operation into North America’s leading supplier of high-quality starter plants. Spanning 19 hectares of advanced greenhouses, the company produces over 60 million young plants annually, supplying approximately 40% of North American greenhouses. Specialising in vegetable plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and egg plants, they employ a team of over 200 experts. “Our success is attributed to our commitment to innova tion and sustainability. Using hydroponic methods, Ontario Plants Propagation achieves 30 times higher yields com pared to traditional farming while recycling 2.5 million litres of water daily. “Our advanced greenhouses minimise the use of pesticides and herbicides, and strict hygiene protocols ensure high biosecurity, crucial for preventing diseases like Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus,” says Mathieu van de Sande, Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Plants. Technological advancements are central to the compa ny’s operations. “The integration of Fluence VYPR LEDs has significantly reduced energy costs and enhanced plant growth efficiency, supported by rebates and technical as sistance,” says Van de Sande. “This focus on innovation is complemented by a deep understanding of customer needs and sustainable practices, making us a trusted partner for

Source: www.hortidaily.com

Signify secures $1.4 million settlement in court case

terms. “Fohse was required to make quarterly royalty pay ments and provide detailed sales reports for products using Signify’s patented LED technology,” explains journalist Al Uszynski. “The conflict arose from Fohse missing a significant lump-sum payment due by 1 July 2022, and underreporting royalties from Q1 2022 through Q2 2023.” Additionally, as revealed in court proceedings, Fohse

Fohse Inc., a Nevada-based grow lights manufacturer, has agreed to pay $1.4 million (R25 million) to lighting giant Sig nify, concluding a federal lawsuit over a licensing agreement breach. The dispute, which was settled in the Southern District of New York late in April 2024, involved Fohse’s failure to adhere to Signify’s EnabLED intellectual property licensing

failed to submit sales reports for Q3 2023, hindering Signify’s abil ity to audit and reconcile financial records. “Signify claimed damages of at least $870 000 (R15 million) plus over $65 000 (R1.1 million) in accrued interest, also seeking a court-ordered accounting of all revenues from Fohse’s use of the licensed technology,” says Uszynski. The case, settled in less than six months, contrasts with a 15-month dispute with Mega Systems Inc., resolved with a $500 000 (R9 mil lion) settlement. The judgment by Judge Gregory H. Woods includes all damages and costs, based on a confidential settlement agreement reached on March 4, 2024.

Source: www.inside.lighting

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LiD Q2 - 2024