With organic growth throughout New Zealand, Apex expanded into the export market, focusing on Australia.
Recognising growth opportunities, Apex then created its own Australian greenhouse building entity in the late 1990s. Leo’s son Folco immigrated to Australia in 2008 to further develop the business. In 2015 Apex merged with the contracting side of greenhouse construction business EJ Contractors, with Eddie Braaksma and James Harris further strengthening the management team.
In 2023, Apex sold a minority stake to Dutch aggregator GreenV. While our shareholders maintain control, Apex now has access to a much wider breadth of technologies and glasshouse construction techniques, allowing us to incorporate cutting-edge techniques – including AI developments and autonomous growing.
Folco and James continue to manage the Australian and New Zealand operations respectively, with Folco acting as CEO for the group.
Auckland also hosts our steel fabrication facility, allowing us to adhere to industry specifications for hot dip galvanising – often required for government or research projects.
Footprint
We work throughout Australia from the intense heat of the South Australian desert winds on days pushing 45+ degrees, to Tasmania’s cool climate. Canterbury plains snowfalls. We have experience in a wide range of climate types and locations.
Knowledge
We hold building licenses in South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania. Apex is the only company in Australasia to hold a CASTA greenhouse engineering software license.
Networks
Apex is a member of Protected Cropping Australia (PCA) and the Hydroponic Farmers Federation (HFF). We work with local subcontractors and consultants in each market – getting to know those on the ground who understand different environments and supporting regional economies.
Being part of the GreenV group of companies, we also leverage its depth of knowledge, and have access to cutting-edge greenhouse technology, adapting it for local conditions.
Team/Market/Equipment
All Apex workers comply with Australian OH&S regulations, holding white cards as well as a myriad of tickets. We pilot the most modern and largest glasshouse construction machinery fleet in the southern hemisphere. Our fleet of glasshouse building machinery has been purpose built (or modified) to meet Australian Safety standards.
Footprint
We work throughout New Zealand, from the Canterbury Plains snowfalls on the South Island to the windy North Island. We have experience in a wide range of climate types and locations.
Knowledge
We hold all relevant building licenses in New Zealand. Apex is the only company in Australasia to hold a CASTA greenhouse engineering software license.
Networks
Apex works with local subcontractors and construction and horticulture consultants in each market – getting to know those on the ground who understand different environments and supporting regional economies.
Being part of the GreenV group of companies, we also leverage its depth of knowledge, and have access to cutting-edge greenhouse technology, adapting it for local conditions.
Team/Market/Equipment
All Apex workers comply with OH&S regulations, holding white cards as well as a myriad of tickets. We pilot the most modern and largest glasshouse construction machinery fleet in the southern hemisphere. Our fleet of glasshouse building machinery has been purpose built (or modified) to meet Australian and New Zealand safety standards.
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Our-Mission_web.jpg)
Our Mission
To provide customers with world-leading commercial greenhouse solutions, with a focus on ROI for our clients without compromising on quality, safety or long-term outcomes.
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Our-Vision_web.jpg)
Our Vision
To significantly build the market for greenhouse-grown products in Australia and New Zealand, ensuring clients can grow in a safer, healthier environment and more consistently. Apex Greenhouses ensures clients can grow produce with fewer inputs over time to reduce the cost of fresh food for consumers, pharmaceuticals and flowers – bringing greater health and enjoyment to everyone.
Our Process
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-GreenV.jpg)
Part of the GreenV group
Apex Greenhouses has joined forces with GreenV, which is part of the Amsterdam-listed HAL Trust.
GreenV is your portal to world-leading, complete commercial greenhouse projects, harnessing GreenV’s extensive knowledge and experience.
Based in the Netherlands, growers have been refining the greenhouse-based horticulture industry for centuries.
Embracing advancements in technology, the GreenV family of companies provides integrated solutions around the world for professional crop production in commercial and industrial greenhouses and glasshouses: from vegetables to ornamentals; from super foods to soft fruits.
GreenV aims to enhance cities all over the world with the power of food and flowers – which is where Apex Greenhouses becomes involved in Australia and New Zealand.
Working with GreenV’s team of horticulture experts, we understand your unique needs and the local circumstances which shape them.
“We’ve been building with Apex for most of the 30 years. We’ve always had a strong relationship, not also just in business, in general… It’s good to work with people in our time zone rather than European builders because you want problems fixed, you want to talk to people (immediately).”
— Chris Millis | Flavorite
Safety and Culture
Safety and producing the highest quality productive greenhouses are our highest priorities. All workers and users have the right to feel and be safe at work. We have a strong safety record and comply with ISO 45001.
Workplace culture is also important to us, in Australia and New Zealand.
We are a family business, with two generations of Fabers leading projects since the 1970s.
We’re passionate about what we do, and that shines through in the quality of the greenhouses and glasshouses that we design as we bring our clients’ vision to life.
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex_Safety-and-culture.jpg)
Our People
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Folco-Faber.jpg)
Folco Faber
Group CEO and Australian GM/Director AU
Read Bio
Born into the industry, Folco grew up working in the company’s greenhouse manufacturing facility and on job sites during school and university holidays. After completing his Commerce degree at the University of Auckland, Folco started building greenhouses full time “on the tools” and transitioned to becoming a project manager 18 months later. He then moved into a sales and management role. Folco has grown the Australian operations and guided the GreenV minority acquisition. Folco now looks after key sales accounts, oversees project management and the general direction of the group.
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-James-Harris-1.jpg)
James Harris
General Manager and Director NZ
Read Bio
After completing his trade certificate in engineering fabrication, James spent 10 years manufacturing for the New Zealand dairy and printing industries, before moving into aluminium sales and extrusion development.
He started in the greenhouse construction industry in 2010, overseeing the construction of greenhouses in New Zealand and Australia.
James is responsible for the development and coordination of sales, manufacturing, and construction in New Zealand.
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Leanne-Barker.jpg)
Leanne Barker
CFO NZ
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Melinda-Grey-3.jpg)
Melinda Grey
Purchasing and Logistics Manager NZ
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Amanda-Insull-2.jpg)
Amanda Insull
Administrator NZ
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Mark-Leeson.jpg)
Mark Leeson
Design Engineer NZ
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Steven-Nguyen.jpg)
Steven Nguyen
Design Engineer AU
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Tina-Nguyen.jpg)
Tina Nguyen
CAD Designer AU
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Simon-Honey-2.jpg)
Simon Honey
Workshop Manager NZ
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Scott-Featherston.jpg)
Scott Featherston
Sales Manager AU
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-John-Haegens.jpg)
John Haegens
Site Manager AU
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Duncan-Wijnbergen.jpg)
Duncan Wijnbergen
Site Manager AU
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-James-Grigg.jpg)
James Grigg
Maintenance Manager AU
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Maureece-Waata.jpg)
Maureece Waata
Site Manager NZ
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Murray-Tatton.jpg)
Murray Tatton
Senior Project Manager NZ
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Bryce-Millar-2.jpg)
Bryce Millar
Construction Manager NZ
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex-Paul-Lindsay.jpg)
Paul Lindsay
Construction Supervisor NZ
![](https://apexgreenhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Apex_Manufacturing-1.jpg)
Manufacturing
At Apex Greenhouses, we have in-house capacity for steel and aluminium manufacturing. This is mostly used for any research, government or specialised greenhouse projects that require a certain amount in in-house manufacturing. This could also include contracts which require a specific amount of equipment to be manufactured on home soil.
5-axis CNC, laser and plasma cutting machines as well as other welding, cutting and pipe-bending applications can also be completed in-house.
While our steel and aluminium manufacturing capabilities are based onshore in New Zealand, we are also able to supply to our clients in Australia.