Meyers Flower Farms completes 8-kilometre conveyor belt system

CANADA – Meyers Flower Farms in St. Catharines, Ontario has wrapped up the final phase of its 8-kilometre conveyor belt installation, marking a major change in how the large greenhouse handles plant movement.

The system, which spans five miles, was delivered in two phases by Niagara Conveyor Systems. The first 4 kilometres were installed in 2021, with the final phase completed earlier this year.

The automated system is already proving its value, making plant movement quieter, smoother, and more efficient.

“The entire workflow from potting to propagation, propagation to spacing, and spacing to shipping is now fully automated,” a senior operator at Meyers said.

“We no longer need tow motors, forklifts, or carts. The space feels calmer and more organised.”

Smart controls keep it simple

To make such a large system easy to operate, Niagara Conveyor Systems brought in BOLD Robotics to develop a smart and user-friendly interface.

Operators can now control up to ten active routes using ten touchscreen panels installed throughout the 20-acre site. Each route is colour-coded for clarity.

“The touchscreen layout is very intuitive,” said a technician on the site. “You pick a colour, choose the conveyors, lock in your selection, and hit start. Everything moves together.”

Each conveyor’s speed can be adjusted individually or grouped and controlled together. Operators can also add machines like pot fillers or DegraPlace units into a route.

If an issue arises with any linked machine, the conveyor will pause automatically, preventing product loss or damage.

Remote access and maintenance features

The system also supports wireless stop-button boxes and remote tablets, allowing staff to manage routes from anywhere inside the greenhouse. This means fewer interruptions and faster adjustments during peak hours.

“The flexibility is helpful,” the technician added. “You don’t need to run back to a control panel. You can stop or start a route from your tablet or use the wireless sensors.”

To keep the system running well, each conveyor includes an hour meter and tracks frequency drive faults. Operators can flag faulty units on the touchscreen and attach maintenance notes.

The system also stores alarm history, making it easier to trace and resolve long-standing issues.

Ongoing impact

Since the full system came online, the greenhouse has reported major improvements in day-to-day operations. The quieter environment has also helped reduce worker fatigue.

“The greenhouse is less noisy now,” said another staff member. “You notice the difference almost immediately.”

In related developments, BOLD Robotics is currently working on a smaller conveyor network for a greenhouse project in Quebec.

Niagara Conveyor Systems has also confirmed plans to expand its support team across Canada by the end of 2025. These moves point to growing demand for smart automation in the horticulture sector.

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