For Don Courtemanche, Vice President of Grodan North America, the decision was both practical and strategic.
“We knew that if we really wanted to support Canadian growers, not just in product quality but in reliability, we had to be closer to them,” Courtemanche explains. “Local production allows us to deliver faster, avoid the uncertainties of international shipping, and stay responsive to our customers’ needs.”
This investment wasn’t a one-time initiative. It’s part of ROCKWOOL’s long-term strategy to be in-market and connected to the growers we serve. Across North America, the company has invested over a hundred million dollars in local production infrastructure and advancements, reinforcing our commitment to proximity, responsiveness, and resilience. The Milton factory alone is continuously evolving with newer lines and added quality controls to meet the needs of a highly progressive market.
That kind of investment isn’t just about logistics, it’s about trust. For growers working on tight timelines with high value crops, knowing that their substrate will arrive when promised isn’t a convenience, it’s a necessity. And it’s something they’ve come to count on.
“We plan our crops down to the day. There’s no margin for error. Knowing that Grodan’s product is made here in Ontario means I can rely on deliveries even during global disruptions. That kind of reliability is rare in this industry,” says Juan Lopez, head grower of Great Lakes Greenhouse.
“Being connected means we can adapt quickly,” Courtemanche says. “When growers need something, we’re not waiting on a ship halfway around the world. We’re right here, ready to deliver.”
In a fast moving industry like CEA, even the best laid plans can shift overnight. Whether it’s a change in crop, an unexpected order or a strategic timeline shift, adaptability is essential.
“When you need to make changes fast, whether it’s a late order or a shift in crop plans, it helps to work with a supplier who’s just down the road. Grodan always feels connected to what we’re doing,” says Lopez.
By manufacturing domestically, Grodan has sidestepped many of the challenges faced by imported products: delays due to unpredictable weather in distant production zones, bottlenecks in shipping lanes, and customs clearance holdups. For growers, that kind of reliability can be the difference between hitting critical planting windows or facing costly delays.
