Oglesby Plants Resumes Shipping After Hurricane Michael

Posted by Brian Sparks|October 30, 2018

Following the onslaught from Hurricane Michael earlier this year, Oglesby Plants International in Altha, FL, has taken a big step in ongoing recovery as it began shipping again the week of October 29. Though initial availabilities will be limited, the company says liner supplies will increase in step with infrastructure repairs in the coming weeks and months.

“We were in the worst of the hurricane’s eye wall and we were hit hard,” says Gary Hennen, president of Oglesby Plants International. “Most of our greenhouses were out of commission and one was destroyed. Our lab sustained roof and water damage. We were out of power until October 24. The damage could have been mistaken for a tornado.”

With donations and support from the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) and friends all across the industry, including rebuilding efforts by Higgins AG, in time Oglesby will make a full recovery to pre-hurricane production. Sustained damage was the worst ever experienced by hurricane in the company’s 70+ year history.

“We’re so grateful for the help from FNGLA, Higgins AG, our friends, and the hard work of our Oglesby team,” Hennen says. “It’s been tough, but we’re seeing light at the end of the tunnel, and we’ll make it through.”