Key Challenges Affecting the Greenhouse Structures and Components Market
June 10, 2025 
Photo: Wadsworth Control Systems
Greenhouse manufacturers and component suppliers face many of the same challenges — and opportunities — as growers. From economic pressures to shifting market demands, the forces shaping production also influence those designing and building the structures that support it.
We reached out to members of the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) to get their perspectives on key industry issues — from the impact of tariffs on long-term planning to how supplier partnerships can create added value for growers. Here’s Part 2 covering key challenges in the industry. You can find Part 1, which looked at market opportunities, here.
Mark Davis, CEO of Atlas Greenhouse: “The biggest challenge as it relates to new larger construction projects is foreign competition. There are more international companies competing for the U.S. market than in the past and it can be difficult to compete on pricing. Another challenge is freight cost. Freight cost has continued to rise and has become a much larger percentage of the overall project cost. More recently, future pricing uncertainty due to tariffs is a challenge as well.”
Dave Stoltzfus, President of Advancing Alternatives: “The biggest challenges facing Advancing Alternatives are staffing and the uncertainty of tariffs. The staffing issues in Lancaster, PA, are driving up the cost of wages and reducing the availability of quality employees. And the tariff uncertainty makes it difficult to order as planned, since we don’t know exactly what our cost will be once the product has landed.”
Tim Lauer, Vice President and Production Manager at Albert J. Lauer: “Uncertainty in new customers and weather and timing can greatly affect spring sales.”
Argus Controls: “Uncertainty due to geopolitical fluctuations.”
Duane Van Alstine, Customer Solutions Manager at GGS Structures: “The state of the economy has become a huge problem, growers’ business development decisions are on hold watching what the future holds. Labor shortages and costs are deterring growers from expanding as well.”
Paul Golden, Director of Sales–Commercial Growing at Prospiant: “Slow growth for new structures in the ornamental/nursery industry resulting from industry consolidation and a large amount of greenhouse vacancies.”
Matt Bonavita, Vice President of Sales at Sollum Technologies: “Rising energy costs are among the biggest challenges right now. Growers are under pressure to reduce expenses and traditional lighting solutions like high-pressure sodium are expensive to run. Labor shortages are another critical issue, making automation essential. Additionally, market demand is constantly shifting, so growers need adaptable solutions that can cater to different crops and changing growing conditions.”
John Juhler, Sales Manager at Vostermans Companies: “Low cost equipment by supply companies. Higher perceived cost of capital.”
Amanda Debevc, Sales/Marketing Manager at Wadsworth Control Systems: “Unknown tariffs, drastic reduction in scientific research funding by the current federal administration, rise in competition.”
Patricia Dean, CEO of Wadsworth Control Systems: “The biggest challenges Wadsworth Control Systems faces include rising material costs, uncertainty around tariffs, and growers’ tighter budgets due to market pressures and economic unpredictability.”
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