Strong combination of forces in greenhouse logistics and robotics

Leading specialist in autonomous solutions for greenhouse horticulture Octiva today announces the acquisition of Berkvens Greenhouse Mobility, manufacturer of mobility solutions in the greenhouse. This strategic acquisition unites two innovative players in the sector and results in a fully integrated range of greenhouse logistics and robotics solutions, tailored to the grower of today and tomorrow.

Complete range at the service of the grower

The acquisition brings together two complementary portfolios. Where Berkvens excels in robust, practical means of transport, Octiva’s strength lies in innovative robotics and autonomous systems. Together they now offer a complete range of solutions in the field of logistics and automation in the greenhouse, tailored to every type of company and scale.

Berkvens Greenhouse Mobility develops, produces and installs complete greenhouse logistics solutions, which are products such as scissor lifts, harvesting trolleys and AGV for in the greenhouse. Octiva creates robotic automation solutions such as UV-C crop protection, scouting, autonomous spraying and spreading of beneficials.

Belgian-Dutch group becomes global leading player

Octiva was created in 2021 from a joint venture between the Belgian Octinion and the Dutch Priva. Berkvens Greenhouse Mobility has been around for 25 years and became part of Taks Handling Systems 5 years ago. It is no coincidence that both parties have now found each other. Berkvens and Octiva have been working closely together for a long time, during which they have thoroughly examined the possibilities of the merger.

Arie Meeuwissen, CEO of Taks Handling Systems, explains: “The acquisition is a logical step to combine product development and production capacity. Both Octiva and Berkvens are true manufacturing companies. This merger allows them to sharpen their focus. This is a clear win-win.” The acquisition makes Octiva, together with Berkvens, a strong player in the horticultural market. With 80 employees in Belgium and the Netherlands, housed in an R&D site in Leuven (BE) and the production site in Asten (NL), this is a fine example of entrepreneurship across borders. The next step is to open a branch in North America to better serve the Canadian and American markets.

Tom Coen and Arie Meeuwissen

 Added value for the customer: speed, service and one point of contact

According to Tom Coen, CEO of Octiva, the acquisition immediately provides added value for the customer: “We combine Berkvens’ sector knowledge with Octiva’s technological innovation. This means faster support, a broader product range and a single point of contact for everything related to greenhouse mobility, crop care and robotization.”

Octiva and Berkvens products for sale at both players and at Taks Handling Systems

Putting the customer first, that is what both parties firmly believe in. Tom Coen: “by joining forces, the customer can go to the same place for all challenges in the greenhouse. Whether it concerns crop care, harvest and transport, crop protection or scouting: we supply the equipment that enables the grower to do his job more efficiently”.

The acquisition creates another synergy: Taks Handling Systems, will become an official dealer of both Octiva and Berkvens Greenhouse Mobility. Taks is the former owner of Berkvens Greenhouse Mobility. Both product lines will be integrated into the turnkey projects of Taks Handling Systems. Arie Meeuwissen: “at Taks Handling Systems we want to take the next step in our strategy, keep the focus on software development, data collection and practical use of data. By offering both Octiva and Berkvens products, we can add digital intelligence to logistics systems.”

Long-term vision that puts the customer first

The acquisition underlines Octiva’s long-term commitment to the sector. “We are making targeted investments in technology, talent and partnerships. This step is fully in line with our vision to put the grower first and build solutions for the future. We are here to stay,” says Tom Coen. Existing Berkvens customers can continue to count on trusted products and support, now reinforced by Octiva’s structure and innovative strength.

Accelerating innovation and growth

By joining forces with Berkvens, Octiva can accelerate the development and marketing of its robotics solutions. Berkvens, which has enormous added value in terms of production facility, simultaneously gains additional opportunities to invest in new technologies and markets. Octiva is also in talks with several potential partners to strengthen its growth path and bring innovative applications to the grower more quickly. This step is also important for Berkvens to be able to bring additional innovation to its known solutions and to help the customer grow even more.

Meet us at GreenTech Amsterdam

Octiva and Berkvens will be present together at GreenTech Amsterdam, which will take place from 10 to 12 June 2025 at the RAI in Amsterdam. Visitors can discover the latest integrated solutions for greenhouse logistics and robotics at stand 01.235.