Vertical farming is gaining traction as a sustainable and efficient method of crop production, and Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) is at the forefront of this agricultural revolution. The company’s technology is designed to scale, allowing for phased growth and continued operations while minimizing investment risk, according to Grant Middleton, Head of Supply Chain at IGS.
Vertical farming’s success hinges on the seamless integration of engineering, logistics, and planning to meet commercial demand and drive profitability. IGS specializes in this careful balance, offering scalable technology that relies on a well-structured approach from the initial design to every stage of a project. This includes project phasing, supply chain strategies, risk management, and navigating international markets.
Project phasing is a cornerstone of IGS’s approach. Their vertical farming technology is designed to scale as customers expand their operations. Each Growth Tower can generate revenue as soon as it passes Site Acceptance Tests and is fully commissioned, providing growers with an income source as they scale up. The supply chain plays a crucial role in this process, with IGS viewing projects as a synergy of components that can be easily manufactured in a repeatable, modular fashion.
The company’s products are designed to be easily manufacturable, allowing suppliers to deliver components on a month-to-month basis. This approach is particularly important for components like Growth Trays, which are essential for scaling. IGS’s supply chain strategy involves thorough due diligence, from initial desktop analysis to in-person audits, to ensure they partner with suppliers who share their vision of world-class science and engineering.
IGS works actively with customers across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. To enable ready scalability, they have set up assembly process plants in different continents, with the main component parts sourced from the UK or mainland Europe. This global approach helps reduce risk on freight routes and allows customers to scale at pace.
Managing risk is a key aspect of IGS’s strategy. Their modular design allows customers to generate income before funding is complete or the full facility is operational, providing financial security from the early stages of development. The company’s supply chain management includes contracts that lock in material prices and availability, with cancellation windows for flexibility.
Scalability with IGS is not just about size but about building relationships with customers and suppliers. This involves careful planning, reliable and replicable products, and an agile approach to shifts in market demand. Supply chain is a key part of this, ensuring that IGS’s tech solutions facilitate growth for both plants and businesses.
The implications of IGS’s approach are significant. By focusing on scalable technology and robust supply chain management, the company is paving the way for vertical farming to become a mainstream method of crop production. This could lead to more sustainable and efficient food production systems, benefiting both businesses and consumers.