About

Apex began its journey in the late 1970s when Leo Faber, a Dutch immigrant to New Zealand, began to design and manufacture commercial glasshouse structures in New Zealand based on the Dutch ‘venlo’ style.

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.

Local Knowledge

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.

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.

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

        
        		            
		            
		            
		            	
	                
	                    
	                         
	                    
	                    
	    
        				
					
										
					
				
			        
        	
                
					
No-obligation
Scoping Session
We listen to what you want from your commercial greenhouse. It’s important to get an understanding of what you’re trying to achieve with realistic targets for returns and budget                
            
                        
				            
                    
        
    
	
	                
	                
	                    
	                         
	                    
	                    
	    
        				
					
										
					
				
			        
        	
                
					
Concept layouts
Producing design and layout concepts with CAD drawings and 3D modelling                
            
                        
				            
                    
        
    
	
	                
	                
	                    
	                         
	                    
	                    
	    
        				
					
										
					
				
			        
        	
                
					
Budget expectations
Budget discussions are essential so that we can customise a commercial greenhouse to suit your needs at an achievable price                
            
                        
				            
                    
        
    
	
	                
	                
	                    
	                         
	                    
	                    
	    
        				
					
										
					
				
			        
        	
                
					
Client meeting / site visit
When target budgets are met, we will schedule face-to-face client visits and site meetings, bringing local and international grower consultants for specific knowledge if necessary                
            
                        
				            
                    
        
    
	
	                
	                
	                    
	                         
	                    
	                    
	    
        				
					
										
					
				
			        
        	
                
					
Final pricing and contract execution
If we can agree on your best fit, we move forward                
            
                        
				            
                    
        
    
	
	                
	                
	                    
	                         
	                    
	                    
	    
        				
					
										
					
				
			        
        	
                
					
Resource and building consent applications
Apex will work on resource and building consent applications (which can also be done prior to contract execution for a nominal feel)                
            
                        
				            
                    
        
    
	
	                
	                
	                    
	                         
	                    
	                    
	    
        				
					
										
					
				
			        
        	
                
					
Reporting
Apex undertakes reports for earthworks (geotech reporting), engineering, stormwater, and fire engineering                
            
                        
				            
                    
        
    
	
	                
	                
	                    
	                         
	                    
	                    
	    
        				
					
										
					
				
			        
        	
                
					
Construction and project management                
            
                        
				            
                    
        
    
	
	                
	                
	                    
	                         
	                    
	                    
	    
        				
					
										
					
				
			        
        	
                
					
Building handover
Our final step is ensuring you can walk into your tailored, turn-key professional greenhouse                
            
                        
				            
                    
        
    
	
	                
	                
	                    
	                         
	                    
	                    
	    
        				
					
										
					
				
			        
        	
                
					
Ongoing support
Once operational, we provide ongoing commissioning support/training and operation (non-standard and will attract relevant fees)

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.

Our People

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.

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.

Leanne Barker
CFO NZ

Melinda Grey
Purchasing and Logistics Manager NZ

Amanda Insull
Administrator NZ

Mark Leeson
Design Engineer NZ

Steven Nguyen
Design Engineer AU

Tina Nguyen
CAD Designer AU

Simon Honey
Workshop Manager NZ

Scott Featherston
Sales Manager AU

John Haegens
Site Manager AU

Duncan Wijnbergen
Site Manager AU

James Grigg
Maintenance Manager AU

Maureece Waata
Site Manager NZ

Murray Tatton
Senior Project Manager NZ

Bryce Millar
Construction Manager NZ

Paul Lindsay
Construction Supervisor NZ

Our Partners

Having recently become part of the GreenV horticulture and greenhouse technology group, we now have access to world-leading knowledge and experience in commercial greenhouse construction. Check out some of our partner websites to learn more about its family of companies.

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.

Reach out,
we’d love to
hear from you.

Contact Apex to discuss custom building your greenhouse or glasshouse project.

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Australia

T: 1800 132 237
E: sales@apexgreenhouses.com.au

Address
10 Gawler Road, Virginia, South Australia 5120

Postal Address
PO Box 688, Virginia, South Australia 5120

New Zealand

T: 0800 100 618
E: sales@apexgreenhouses.co.nz

Address
6 Hosking Place, Waiuku, Auckland 2123

Postal Address
PO Box 36, Waiuku, Auckland 2341

GreenV

W: greenv.com

Address
Logistiekweg 1
2742 RE Waddinxveen
The Netherlands