Dramm Breaks Ground on Research Greenhouse

Chris Beytes

The company that makes HAF fans, pesticide applicators, and watering wands and hoses are in thousands of greenhouses around the world, so it’s no wonder they’d like to have one of their own in which to do R&D.

That’s exactly the idea behind the small (2,500 sq. ft.), but varied facility. Because water (managing and delivering) is one of their specialties, the greenhouse will featuring multiple water sources (rain, pond, recycled, municipal) and multiple water treatment systems. They’ll have both fixed and moving benches, as well as various irrigation types, including hydroponics. They’ll also test their “Drammatic” line of organic fertilizers. Another benefit will be growing plants for the green wall in their new lobby, along with flowers for spring planting in the landscape.

The DeCloet Venlo-style greenhouse will have a 22-ft. gutter height and a single 42-ft. wide bay, eliminating posts in the middle of the structure. Biotherm in-floor hydronic heating will keep the greenhouse warm during the frigid Wisconsin winters. A Wadsworth Seed environmental control will manage the climate and allow remote access.

The new research greenhouse will honor Kurt W. Dramm, who passed away in May, leaving a legacy of developing and testing high-quality products.

“We’ve wanted a research greenhouse for a long time,” said Kurt’s daughter, Heidi Dramm Becker. “It will enable us to trial fertilizer and test watering tools during the winter months and continuously try different air flow patterns for best results, test drippers, and various irrigation equipment and systems. The most exciting thing is that we can grow some spring flowers as a benefit! I just wish my father had lived to see it built to completion.”

The first crops and research work are slated to start this winter. GT