Suppliers Seeing a Steady Balance in New Greenhouse Builds vs Retrofit Projects
June 24, 2025 
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 5 covering the decision between new builds and retrofits.
Stay tuned for Parts 6 and 7, and catch up with Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 if you missed them.
Mark Davis, CEO of Atlas Greenhouse: “Most recent projects are new greenhouse builds across the vegetable and institutional markets. The ornamental segment has not been as active, but we are hearing from customers that this spring has been good, particularly in some parts of the country. A good spring with good weather creates sales opportunities.”
Dave Stoltzfus, President of Advancing Alternatives: “We are focused on both, and currently have a healthy mix of both.”
Tim Lauer, Vice President and Production Manager at Albert J. Lauer: “Currently we are focused on new research and institutional construction.”
Duane Van Alstine, Customer Solutions Manager at GGS Structures: “Today it’s about 50/50. Surprisingly there still are plenty of growers looking to expand, but there are other companies that are focused on improving existing facilities. The growers looking to expand are also concentrating on energy and labor conservation.”
Paul Golden, Director of Sales–Commercial Growing at Prospiant: “New greenhouses primarily, but we have seen an increase in retrofit work. There are a large number of vacant cannabis facilities that are being retrofit for other crops. Moving these greenhouses and receiving permits for them is nearly impossible, however.”
Matt Bonavita, Vice President of Sales at Sollum Technologies: “We’re seeing a mix of new greenhouse builds and retrofit projects, but retrofits are more common right now. Growers are looking to improve efficiency and productivity without overhauling their entire infrastructure. Retrofits are particularly prevalent now due to tariffs and labor shortages in North America.”
Amanda Debevc, Sales/Marketing Manager at Wadsworth Control Systems: “Retrofits more than new builds unless it’s an institution. Those projects were planned years in advance. What will become of those projects three to four years from now is questionable.”
Patricia Dean, CEO of Wadsworth Control Systems: “We’re seeing a strong mix, but retrofit projects have been particularly active as many growers look to modernize existing structures instead of building new ones, driven by high construction costs. Larger commercial growers, educational greenhouses, and university projects continue to dominate our new build work. Our products are designed to retrofit seamlessly into older greenhouses, making us a strong partner for both upgrades and new installations.”
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