Bell Expands Into Virginia

Bell Nursery has expanded its market footprint into Virginia and North Carolina after acquiring Virginia Growers in Montpelier, Va.

Virginia Growers was founded in 1985 by Neil Van Wingerden and has been owned and operated by Jonathan and Andy Van Wingerden and Brett Guthrie. The operation has more than 12 acres of outdoor production space and 325,000 square feet of greenhouse space.

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This marks the second big acquisition for Bell Nursery within the past two months. Based in Burtonsville, Md., Bell Nursery supplies plants to Home Depot and others in the mid-Atlantic region, as well as Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, after acquiring Ulery Greenhouse Co. in Springfield, Ohio.

 

“We are very excited about this additional expansion in Virginia,” says, Gary Mangum of Bell Nursery. “Virginia Growers have built a strong reputation based on a quality and a well-run family business.”

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He adds the first difference consumers will notice in the Virginia/North Carolina regions will be new and expanded product mixes in the outside garden centers, as well as enlarged sales area inside that will include an expanded range of indoor plants for the home and office.

Virginia Growers will maintain an ownership interest and will continue to manage the business under the Bell Nursery name. “We are delighted to bring the Bell Nursery model to Virginia and North Carolina,” says Guthrie, director of the Virginia operation. “Bell Nursery has set the standard for excellence in quality and service and we are honored to join this outstanding company.”

Bell’s business model includes substantial suppor in the garden departments at Home Depot stores. Home Depot associates continue to help customers with their garden advice and solutions, while Bell Nursery employees focus primarily on presentation, inventory levels and plant care. Last year, Bell Nursery had more than 750 employees working in 94 stores during much of the year.

Through these recent acquisitions, Bell Nursery will be adding a significant number of greenhouse, driving and service jobs in both the Ohio and Virginia/North Carolina regions.

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