News » 13.10.2026 - 75 years of Genap: from agricultural film to international water storage

Genap, a family-owned company from the Netherlands, celebrated its 75th anniversary on October 7. It began in an attic in Amsterdam and has grown into an international business with about 150 employees, with its main production site in 's-Heerenberg in the eastern Netherlands. Over three-quarters of a century, Genap has evolved from a producer of agricultural film into a specialist in flexible plastic solutions for agriculture, horticulture and civil engineering. Storing, covering and sealing have been the core of its work for decades. Dick Van Regteren spoke about the company's history, the development of water storage and the challenges ahead.

From Amsterdam to Westzaan to 's-Heerenberg
The Groeneveld family founded the company that would later become Genap in Amsterdam 75 years ago. It soon moved to Westzaan, and in the late 1950s it relocated to the east of the Netherlands.

According to Dick, the choice of 's-Heerenberg was deliberate. "The culture and work ethic of the people in the east appealed to us. The mentality of not complaining but getting on with it fit well with ours. There was also room to set up production close to the German border, where we saw plenty of potential for growth."

The name Genap reflects part of that history: Groenveld Eerste Nederlandse Agrarische Plasticindustrie (Groenveld First Dutch Agricultural Plastics Industry). Founder Groenveld was a pioneer. In the 1950s, he introduced agricultural film in the Netherlands and developed applications to preserve grass and corn silage for longer. The company's scope expanded from there.

From covering, Genap moved into storing manure and water. The development of large-scale water basins was an important step toward horticulture. "Water storage became a solution for rainwater collection, especially for growers. That's how we moved from agriculture into horticulture."

From agricultural film to international water solutions
Genap's development was not limited to agriculture and horticulture. In the 1970s and 1980s, the company worked with Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch public works agency, on the first film constructions in road building. Large film structures were built at the Tunnel under the Noord, the road near Amelisweerd and several aqueducts in Friesland.

The civil engineering division remains active. Dick says a new large-scale application will be added in Wateringen, along the Veilingroute in the Westland region, starting later this year.

Three markets, one common thread
Genap now operates in agriculture, horticulture and civil engineering. Water basins and water silos for horticulture are produced and used worldwide. "We stand on three legs: agriculture, horticulture and civil engineering, meaning ground, road and hydraulic works. In all three, it's about safely storing, covering and sealing with flexible plastics."

Its international presence follows the development of the greenhouse industry. Genap has joint ventures in Mexico, Canada and Kenya, and its own entity in India. "We follow horticulture. Where greenhouses are built, good irrigation water is needed." The company works with local partners who know the market, language and culture, while Genap contributes product knowledge and quality.

Water from a secondary matter to a main issue
In greenhouse horticulture, water has taken on a different role over 75 years. "Water has gone from a side issue to a core issue," says Dick. "In the past, a grower took water from a ditch or a well. Now rainwater is the foundation, and storage is a strategic part of the business."

Scale increases, recirculation and stricter emission requirements have accelerated this shift. Greater attention is also paid to the quality of stored water. Covering basins to prevent algae growth, contamination and evaporation is now common practice. Customers no longer ask for a roll of film, but for a complete solution that includes advice and installation.

From basin to silo and water bunker
Water storage continues to evolve. The outdoor basin was the standard for years, followed by the arrival of water silos. Water bunkers beneath greenhouses are now also being used. Dick expects space to become an increasingly important factor in the coming years. "Every square meter of land is expensive. Storage will increasingly go underneath, on top of or inside something else: under the greenhouse, under the yard or combined with other functions."

Water storage is also becoming smarter, with continuous monitoring of water levels and quality and links between storage and weather forecasts. "I also expect more combinations of water and energy, such as heat storage. And multiple use of space, for example by covering water basins with solar panels." Dick adds that collective solutions may become more important, with multiple growers in an area buffering water together.

Affordable rainwater storage as an important innovation
Asked which Genap innovation has contributed most to making greenhouse horticulture more sustainable, Dick does not point to a single high-profile technology.

"We made rainwater storage affordable and reliable." He says the film basin, and later the water silo, allowed growers to become more self-sufficient in their supply of clean irrigation water, without depending on groundwater or mains water. Covers that limit evaporation and algae growth were added, saving water and inputs. Genap's production approach also plays a role. "By producing locally, closer to the market, we can provide faster and more affordable service."

Longer lifespan and easier installation
Looking ahead, Genap sees opportunities in materials that last longer and are fully recyclable at the end of their life. Ease of installation is also becoming more important. "With the tight labor market, both for us and for our customers, ease of installation is just as important as the product itself." According to Dick, the challenge lies in developing better materials and products as well as solutions that can be installed faster and more simply.

75 years of pioneering and looking ahead
Genap has about 150 employees worldwide. Around 75 work in 's-Heerenberg and about 20 in Steenwijk. The remaining staff work at the international locations and joint ventures.

Many employees have been with the company for a long time. "Many colleagues have worked here for a very long time. Loyalty is one of our core values for a reason," Dick concludes proudly.
 

Source: www.floraldaily.com

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