Groothuis Bouwgroep delivers a modern and sustainable 18,500 m² facility for Tolsma-Grisnich – but there's one problem: power
The manufacturing industry in Emmeloord will soon gain an impressive new home. Tolsma-Grisnich, a global specialist in storage technology and sorting lines for potatoes, will move into a brand-new 18,500 m² facility in mid-July. This building brings all the separate business units together under one roof – a strategic step towards greater efficiency and innovation. But the actual power connection? That will take years to arrive.
One building, three halls, endless efficiency
Until recently, the various departments of Tolsma-Grisnich operated from multiple locations. In the new building, everything is combined: a production hall, a dispatch zone and a loading area, each with a clear function and physical separation where necessary. "The loading area, for example, has a partition wall so that dust has no chance of reaching assembly or dispatch," says Leon Teunissen, project manager at Groothuis Bouwgroep. "That may sound simple, but it delivers an enormous quality gain in the process."
This layout not only prevents logistical noise but also achieves a significant efficiency boost in operations. Every square metre has been designed with maximum productivity in mind.
An architectural statement in Emmeloord
The new 2,500 m² office section immediately steals the show. Designed by Boes + Kok, the building catches the eye with its two large yellow Trespa columns standing like gatekeepers in front of the premises. "It really has become a beautiful eye-catcher," says Teunissen. "You immediately sense that something special is happening here."
Although the exterior consists largely of industrial sandwich panels, wooden slats around the central stairwell add a deliberately warm and natural touch.
Turn-key with full process supervision
Groothuis Bouwgroep delivers the entire project turn-key and oversees the complete realisation process. From structural design to installation technology, from finishing to the coordination of subcontractors: everything is taken care of. "The factory was designed by Tolsma-Grisnich themselves, and we support them with the installation and assembly provisions," Teunissen explains. "That way they retain control over what they do best – and we handle the rest."
The building has also been registered for GPR certification, which guarantees sustainability, energy efficiency and comfort.
The bottleneck: no grid connection before 2027
Yet a shadow hangs over this successful project. Even though the building will soon be fully complete, Tolsma-Grisnich still has to wait years for a connection to the regular energy grid. "The installations are operational, the units are ready… but the grid connection by Liander is only scheduled for the end of 2027," says Teunissen.
In the meantime, the facility is kept running with a smart energy hub, equipped with solar panels, generators and batteries. "We've found a workable interim solution, but it remains a considerable challenge. Especially for a company that is at the forefront of sustainable technology."
A future-proof home base – with a delay
Despite the grid issues, the sentiment is positive. With this new facility, Tolsma-Grisnich will soon have all the room it needs to grow, innovate and operate internationally from a single central point in Emmeloord.
A smart investment in the future – now just waiting for the power socket.